Online sales in the UK have recorded their lowest monthly
rise since 2000 because consumers are cautious during the recession
and there is uncertainty over strikes at Royal Mail.
According to the latest research from IMRG and Capgemini, online
sales increased by 1.9% between August and September. This is well
below the average monthly increase this year of 15% and is the
lowest rise since the study was launched in 2000.
UK shoppers spent a total of £3.9bn online in September.
"This is lower than the average month-on-month increase for
September, as shoppers exercise more caution ahead of Christmas and
as the recession continues to influence consumer spending. Postal
strikes have also acted as a deterrent for online shoppers, and
will continue to be a key concern for e-retailers in the lead up to
Christmas," said the report.
Royal Mail strikes have already hit online retailers as they
plan alternative ways of delivering goods and customers are put off
buying online for fear of not receiving purchases in time.
Major retailers, including John Lewis and Amazon, are putting
plans in place to switch to other delivery services if the strikes
go ahead.
A postal strike lasting five to 10 days will cost online
retailers an estimated £220m, the study commissioned by price
comparison site Kelkoo reveals.