Latest UK Figures Internet Retail Sales

Internet retail sales now account for approximately 10.5 per cent of all retail sales. This is the highest proportion since the series began. In comparison, in November 2009 this proportion was 7.9 per cent.

On average, weekly internet retail sales in November 2010 totalled £660 million compared with the average weekly value for all retailing at £6,300 million (excluding automotive fuel).

Month on month changes

During the period October to November 2010, the average weekly value for internet retail sales, non-seasonally adjusted, grew by 37.5 per cent. In comparison the average weekly value for all retailing grew by 10.2 per cent.

Year on year changes

Between November 2009 and November 2010 the average weekly value for internet retail sales, non-seasonally adjusted, grew by 36.6 per cent. In comparison the average weekly value for all retailing grew by 3.4 per cent.

Historic

Over the past five years the last Monday in November and the following week has seen a peak in retail sales made over the internet. This period is not included within these statistics but its impact will be seen in the December 2010 data released on 21 January 2011.

Coverage

The ONS experimental internet sales statistics used is part of the Retail Sales (RSI) statistics. Retail sale of goods made over the Internet are collected and included as part of the monthly turnover data provided by businesses. RSI is a monthly survey of approximately 95 per cent of the retail sector in terms of turnover in Great Britain.