IMRG Capgemini survey reveals that growth slowed in the last two weeks of October.

The growth of online retail slowed significantly in the last two weeks of October as a result of the postal strikes by Royal Mail staff, new research has found.

According to the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, consumers spent £4.2 billion online last month, although growth slipped by two per cent and then by another five per cent in the space of a week.

The study found that many consumers had concerns about parcel delivery provisions after Royal Mail staff went on strike, with many returning to the high street instead of seeking alternative parcel delivery providers.

Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG, said: "Whilst the overall index returned to double-digit growth in October, the decline in e-retail sales values and volumes during the second half of the month shows consumer confidence was affected by the Royal Mail strikes."

David Smith, director of operations at IMRG, recently told the Telegraph that older people are beginning to realise the benefits of online retail for consumers.

Written by Mark Moore


Article Added: 26/11/2009 09:35:47