Online retail sales in Britain rose by +11.3% in July compared to June as wet weather boosted online clothing sales while electrical sales also soared, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

The index showed Britons spent over £4.8bn online in July, the equivalent of £79 for every person in the UK. The survey showed shoppers continued to shop online despite pressures on disposable income. The figures were in sharp contrast to recent data from the British Retail Consortium, which showed high street sales in July were down -0.9% on June.

Mike Petevinos, head of Consulting for Retail at Capgemini UK, said: “Gloomy market conditions have not dampened consumers’ appetite for shopping online. Online sales continue to show strong growth, particularly when compared to the tough trading conditions on the high street.”