Sales in online retail have risen by some 15 per cent.

Online retail remains healthy in the UK, with sales increasing 15 per cent in March compared to the same period last year.

The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index showed that £4.5 billion was spent via the internet, up from £3.9 billion in March 2009.

Items for homes and gardens saw a significant jump, with sales up 42 per cent, while summer clothes grew by 27 per cent compared to in February.

Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG, said the figures are encouraging and that retailers with an online presence are seeing the benefits.

"There is a strong trend emerging showing that high street retailers with an online presence are playing an increasingly significant role in the e-retail sector. Retailers with a diverse multichannel offering will no doubt continue to reap the rewards of their investment," she added.

High-end clothing firm Hugo Boss is expecting a rise in its online sales over the next five years, the company recently stated.

Posted by Tom Sands.

Article Added: 27/04/2010 09:37:44