Electrical sector to boom as Brits gripped by football fever

The latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index has revealed the impact sunshine and football fever had on online retail sales in May, recording a growth of 17 percent year-on-year (YoY); an impressive 20 percent excluding travel. This equates to £8.2 billion spent online, as British shoppers splashed out on new clothing and electrical items to enjoy the World Cup.

The electrical sector surged 19 percent in May, but based on previous figures during major summer football tournaments, IMRG and Capgemini predict the World Cup could result in a huge 30 percent increase in sales during June. The previous World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2012, resulted in an increase of 26 percent and 35 percent respectively as football fans upgraded their TVs to watch their teams

The clothing sector also reported a strong performance in May, thanks to the spell of dry and warm weather during the latter half of the month, with sales up 19 percent YoY. Accessories performed particularly well, with a 30 percent YoY increase. Promises of a sweltering summer helped give the Garden sector an additional boost, reaching 20 percent YoY as shoppers prepare themselves for BBQs and garden parties.

Chris Webster, VP, Head of Retail Consulting and Technology at Capgemini, says the index continues to be a bellwether for the UK economy and consumer behaviour: “This month it has illustrated just how influential large sporting events can have on the retail sector and how World Cup fever has well and truly gripped the UK. This has resulted in an increase in the sale of electrical items that will have grown further in the first half of the month. Just how long that growth continues may ell depend on how far England progress through the tournament as patriotic fans invest in bigger and better TVs to cheer on their team.”