Online shopping sales have been boosted by the upcoming summer and the World Cup, new figures show.

UK consumers spent more than £4.4 billion on internet purchasing last month, new figures have shown.

According to the new IMRG Capgemini e-retail sales index, the biggest rise was seen in online shopping in the homes and garden sector, which rose by almost a third (32 per cent).

Parcel delivery customers also helped clothing, footwear and accessories to enjoy rises in online sales of 21 per cent. Health and beauty products saw a 16 per cent boost.

The figures show that between April this year and April 2009, the online retail market rose by 13 per cent.

Rises in the sales of garden equipment and clothes were attributed to increasing temperatures and the approach of the summer BBQ season.

Another shopping sector to see a rise in sales was alcohol, with numerous bank holiday weekends and the upcoming World Cup cited as main reasons.

Famous fans of online shopping include socialite Jemima Khan, who recently admitted to a love of internet purchasing.

Posted by Lucy Pritchard.

Article Added: 24/05/2010 09:47:28