Online sales grew in December

The recent sales monitor from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG found an increase in U.K. shoppers purchasing online in the month of December.

Internet sales combined with mail-order and phone sales increased 18.5 percent in December 2011 compared with December 2010. Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said retailers are experiencing a fundamental change in consumer behaviour as more consumers choose to purchase from online stores at their own convenience.

Helen Dickinson, head of retail at KPMG, said the figures from December show growth in food sales for 2011, and spectacular increases in clothing and footwear purchases thanks, in part, to special discounts and promotions.

Due to the success of online retail, many companies are expanding despite the economic downturn. Kuwait-based retail group Alshaya recently bought 60 of La Senza's stores, which saved 1,100 retail jobs and helped extend Alshaya's consumer base throughout the U.K.