Health and Beauty, Home & Garden Categories Hit Hardest

  • Online retail sales growth declined -8.7% year-on-year in May 2022
  • Health and beauty category saw a -28% decline, home and garden -23%
  • Clothing sales rose by +14%, womenswear +18%, menswear +12%
  • Average Basket Value (ABV) reached an all-time high of £151
  • Website traffic up 8% year-on-year
  • Mid-market retailers saw slight growth at +0.5%

Online retail sales growth dropped by 8.7% year-on-year in May 2022 compared to the previous year, according to the IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index. The decline was more pronounced than expected, given that it was measured against a negative performance in May 2021 (-6%). The report also showed a -0.6% dip month-on-month (MoM) compared to April. Health and beauty saw the worst performance with a -28% drop, followed by home and garden at -23%. Clothing sales, however, rose by 14%, including +18% for womenswear and +12% for menswear. The Average Basket Value (ABV) reached an all-time high of £151 due to factors like inflation and consumers buying higher quality items. Mid-market retailers were the only ones to see growth at 0.5%.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about online retail sales growth, citing a reputable source (IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index) and discussing various categories’ performance. It also includes expert opinions to provide context and analysis.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about online retail sales growth and offers insights into various categories’ performance, as well as potential reasons for the decline. It also includes expert opinions to support its claims. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to the decline and potential long-term consequences.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The online retail industry and specific categories such as health and beauty, home and garden, and clothing are impacted.
Financial Rating Justification: This article discusses the decline in online retail sales growth and its impact on various categories, which can affect companies’ financial performance and stock prices.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk