Online shopping sales improve bleak forecast for the high street

Sales figures on the high street were as bleak as the weather last month as consumer spend fell at the sharpest rate in 11 months. However, retailers may be cheered by online activity as the UK's number one cashback site, Quidco, reports a 12% increase in overall sales. 

Claiming a further victim in the form of Clintons, the UK's high street remains a tough place to be. However, over 3,200 retailers can take advantage of Quidco's two million members who are bucking the trend and increasing spend in some sectors.

UK fashion disasters have been averted nationwide as online clothing sales in April increased by 43% to over £3m. Keen to finish an outfit off, stylish shoppers contributed to a 92% and 59% increase in fashion accessories and shoes respectively.

As April's rain continued to fall, planning to escape it was on the up with bookings for apartments, villas and hotels surging by 33%. Currency being ordered through the site was also up by 21%.

Jo Roberts, head of PR at Quidco said: "We all know that the UK's high street has been under untold pressure since the recession. Combine this with one of the wettest months and a continued squeeze on consumer spend and the outlook for many doesn't look great. We are therefore delighted to see these increases, which will come as welcome news to the 3,200 retailers we have with us. Quidco is all about benefitting our retailers and giving back to our members and these figures demonstrate we are achieving exactly that"

Quidco pays ‘cashback' when people make a purchase from any of the 3,200 retailers listed on its website, by paying the retailers commission directly to the shopper. In addition to cashback offered (both online and in store) Quidco also offers printable vouchers, voucher codes and car, home and travel insurance comparison tools. It has over 1.9million users and returned £45m worth of member's cashback last year.