U.K. online sales up 35.6% in May to £1.5 billion

Online shoppers in the UK spent over £1.5 billion online in May, up 35.6% from £900 million in May last year, according to the Interactive Media in Retail Group, a trade association.

Total retail sales growth in the U.K. was at its slowest rate since 1947, according to the government statistics, with a year-on-year increase of 0.9%.

Growth is online sales in the U.K. have been on an upward path since February, when growth of 13.4% was the second lowest ever year-on-year e-retail growth rate. Year-over-year sales were up 19.2% in March and 29.3% in April.

"Many factors are contributing to the growth of online shopping, including the rapid consumer take-up of broadband, completely secure payment mechanisms and improving delivery solutions,” says James Roper, CEO of the Interactive Media in Retail Group. “However, no component is more important than the online shopping services themselves, and these are getting much better: the customer journey is becoming easier, product ranges are wider, merchants are using clearer images and richer product information, linked selling features add value by drawing attention to relevant accessories, options and associated products.”