The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index value reached a record high in December 2011, and figures reveal that online sales recorded during December were up by 16.5% against December 2010.

These figures also show that British Christmas shoppers spent a total of £7.9 billion online during December. This works out as the equivalent of £155 per person. December sales saw an increase against the preceding November of 12.2% and against December 2010 of 16.5%. This goes down as a record index score.

In total, £68 billion was spent online in 2011, which is also a 16% increase on the previous year. The clothing sector experienced growth despite a year on year slowdown, and sales were recorded as being up by 12%, compared with 40.5%.

The index’s forecast for 2012 featured 13% growth and approximately £77 billion in total e-retail sales.

Figures show that online retailers had a successful Christmas, mirroring the success of the high street in Christmas sales with 2.2% growth reported by the British Retail Consortium.

E-retail now accounts for 17% of the total UK retail market and the percentage is likely to increase further given the rise of mobile commerce and the huge numbers of tablet computers purchased in the year 2011.

Chris Webster, head of retail consulting and technology at Capgemini says: “Strong online sales over Christmas were even more impressive since they built on a 25% year on year growth from 2009 to 2010.. During 2011 we saw continued pressure on sales as shoppers became savvier in looking for bargains and this continued in the run up to Christmas. The rapid rise of mobile in 2011 will continue into 2012 as consumers became familiar with shopping via tablet devices and smartphonest, some taking advantage of their recent Christmas presents. This changing landscape will open up a myriad of opportunity for retailers including the integration of stores into the multi-channel world and the potential of new capabilities like location based markerting services.”