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E-commerce begins to suffer as downturn bites

Latest figures show fall in year-on-year sales growth

Phil Muncaster, vnunet.com 21 Oct 2008

E-retailers could be the latest sector to face leaner financial times, according to figures from industry body the Interactive Media in Retail Group and consultancy Capgemini released today.

The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index found that year-on-year growth in online spending for September slowed to just 14.8 per cent, compared to 73.2 per cent for the same month in 2007.

September 2008 was also the third consecutive month in which year-on-year growth was below 20 per cent, according to the research.

However, the e-commerce market still remains buoyant with £4.8bn spent online last month. Clothing, footwear and accessories was the most popular category, seeing a 24 per cent increase in sales on the previous month.

"What the figures do not show is how the internet is influencing consumer
purchase decisions at a time where we are all seeking greater value for
money," argued Mike Petevinos, head of consulting for retail at Capgemini.

"The internet not only provides shoppers with the choice and data they need to make more informed decisions, it also provides retailers with the ability to communicate more targeted offers to consumers."

See also:

Online shoppingCredit crunch sending shoppers online for cheaper presents  10 Oct 2008
eBayHeadcount reduction and new purchases designed to improve operations  06 Oct 2008
Meglena KunevaNew EU study shows three-quarters of retailers not making cross-border sales  03 Oct 2008
Online shoppingE-commerce vendors still letting down users, says report  22 Sep 2008
Online shoppingMonthly e-commerce sales hit £4.8bn  20 Aug 2008

All Ecommerce
Tags: Retail, Web, E-commerce, Online-shopping, Internet, Management

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