World Cup provides boost to growth in online shopping

Online shopping has reached its highest growth in two years, boosted by the World Cup, new figures show.

Total online sales were up 22 per cent in May compared to the same time last year – the highest growth since June 2008. Shoppers spent £4.5bn online during the month, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

The index shows a three per cent increase in sales in May, compared to April this year. Preparations for the World Cup appear to have played their part, with alcohol sales up 23 per cent compared to last year and electrical goods up 13 per cent. Cap-gemini spokesman Chris Webster said: "Throughout the history of the index we have seen a noticeable rise in sales of certain goods whenever there is a major sports tournament on."