RM strikes make £53m dent in online retail sales

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/96937 ... ail-sales/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

LONDON - Online retail sales were significantly hit by postal strikes during the middle-half of October, according to the latest research from internet industry body the IMRG.

According to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, sales dropped by 2% and 5% in the third and final weeks of October respectively. The fall, which ran alongside the Royal Mail postal strikes, effectively cost online retailers £53m.

Despite the effects of the strike, October's index showed UK shoppers spent £4.2bn with online retailers during October, an increase of almost 12% compared to the same month in 2008.

The strikes appear to have had the greatest impact on clothing sales. The sector only registered a 13.2% sales increase in October, compared to 27% for the same month last year.

The rise also marks a return to double digit growth for online retail. September's index registered a 7.6% rise with £3.9bn sales, a record low for the sector.

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

[DGP1]

It's a good job then that the whole market has been opened up for competition

[Stormproof]

How much was High Street spending up when we were on strike?

[POSTMAN]

How much was High Street spending up when we were on strike?

Oh they were busting at the seams apparently and yes the packets and parcels at my place we're non existent