Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body, has announced that cyber sales this year increased by 20 per cent to 60 per cent when compared to the same period in 2016.
The data is based on Retail Excellence's internal report on Cyber Week, compiled in conjunction with StudioForty9.
An American phenomenon, Cyber Week started in advance of Black Friday and continued right through to Cyber Monday.
Deputy CEO of Retail Excellence, Lorraine Higgins said: "Our members have informed us that their expectations were exceeded with numerous retailers reporting it was their busiest trading period in their history. This year there was big value on offer for consumers with many holding out for the biggest deals released on Black Friday. Retailers also offered product specific 'Daily Deals' to create added value for consumers.
"Our internal report confirms that the big winners were pharmacy, cosmetics, electronics, technology and fashion with many reporting sales increases year on year of between 20 per cent and 60 per cent. Many retailers in these sectors invested great time and effort developing cutting edge digital marketing campaigns and would have utilised fulsomely our ECommerce supports throughout the year.
"Logistic companies reported an increase of up to 40 per cent in deliveries, with many orders being fulfilled by retailers operating outside of Ireland and predominately in the UK. This remains a massive challenge for the Irish retail industry with Brexit and sterling devaluation exacerbating matters."
