Sales of electrical items online during July were the highest of any month this year, up 7.5% on last month, according to the industry body for e-retailers IMRG (Interactive Media in Retail Group) and Capgemini.

UK shoppers spent more than pounds 4.8bn online in July, an increase of 11.3% on June, despite pressures on disposable income.

The growth is in sharp contrast with British Retail Consortium figures showing high street sales in July were 0.9% down on June.

The poor weather affected barbecue-related alcohol sales, which saw slower year-on-year growth, but shoppers turned to clothing, footwear and accessories, which grew by 22.8% in July.

The figures were produced by the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

Mike Petevinos, head of retail consulting at Capgemini UK, said: "Online sales continue to show strong growth, particularly when compared to the tough trading conditions on the high street."

The e-retail sales index tracks online transactions based on data from around 60 retailers who sell online.

These include internet-only retailers plus high street chains with online stores.

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