A provider of digital marketing in the UK, Ranking Solutions, have shared their thoughts on Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) figures highlighting 14% ecommerce growth in October

Figures show that shoppers in the UK spent the most they had since December of the last year in October, parting with an estimated £8.8bn online, indicating that we could be about to see the biggest ecommerce Christmas sales ever recorded.

Compared to October of last year, there was a 14% rise in sales, or 16% with travel not included. October’s figures were also up on 7% on September sales.

Mobile sales, or M-commerce as it’s becoming increasingly known, were more impressive still, with sales made on smartphones or tablets rising 43% compared to this time last year and 11% when compared with September 2014.

Chief information officer at IMRG, Tina Spooner, said: “The welcome return to double-digit growth last month follows the poor September results, when the online retail industry was adversely affected by the unseasonably mild autumn temperatures. Excluding the travel sector, e-retail sales growth is in line with our growth forecast for 2014 at 17% year-to-date and we expect this solid performance to continue for the remainder of the year.”

Head of digital at Capgemini, Alex Smith-Bingham, said: “Multichannel retailers have been shifting their investments into digital strategies over the last few years, including sophisticated CRM platforms. This has enabled them to provide their customers with a joined up and integrated offering across all of their channels, something which is clearly having a positive influence on sales. As we fast approach the busy Christmas period, it will be interesting to see whether the online only retailers, which are typically able to compete in terms of cost, will be able to close this gap.”

Ranking Solutions, an internet marketing company who regularly respond to industry related news, believes the figures show just how important online shopping has become for businesses.

A representative for Ranking Solutions said: “These figures show that the internet now plays a massive role in Christmas shopping. Every year, more and more people are turning to their smartphones, tablets and computers to hunt down the very best deals on everything from gifts to foods. This means that having an established presence is not just desirable but in many cases a necessity.

“This is why thousands in the UK are turning to companies like us for digital marketing services, whether it be search engine optimisation or social media account management. Having an online shop could do wonders for your business and there’s no surer way than achieving that than working with a digital marketing company.”

Ranking Solutions are based in Lancashire and provide a number of website advertising solutions. Visit their website at www.rankingsolutions.com for more info on search engine optimisation and setting up an online store.