Growth in UK online retail sales grew by five per cent year-on-year in August, which is a contraction compared to last year's figure of 18 per cent. 

However, this sluggish performance still considerably outstrips growth for high street retail, where footfall in stores dropped by 1.6 per cent compared to one year ago. 

This is according to the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, which indicated that online sales of clothing endured its lowest ever performance for the month of August. 

However, sales made via a mobile device saw an increase of 33 per cent for the month.

Head of digital, consumer products and retail at Capgemini Alex Smith-Bingham said the slowdown will be short-lived, as Bank Holiday and back-to-school will lead to a boost in September. 

"With just five per cent growth, for both the clothing sector and the wider industry, the disappointment of August's performance would have been felt across the whole retail sector," he commented.