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Online sales outperformed the high street last month, rising by 13 per cent compared to last year.

Figures from IMRG Capgemini's e-retail sales index show online businesses were boosted as Valentine's Day and alcohol sales surged in February.

The index showed the rise in sales, compared to the same month last year, and represents the eighth monthly growth.

Purchases of alcohol online saw 30 per cent growth, with the gifts market rising by 34 per cent on January's increase of 18 per cent.

Mike Petevinos, head of consulting for retail at IT services and business consultancy company Capgemini, says: 'Year-on-year growth for e-retail continues in stark contrast to the high street. Consumers are still turning to the internet to make their purchase decisions and ensure their disposable income goes further.'

Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG, a retail membership community, states a recent study from shopping behavioural research company Shoppercentric shows spending habits are changing and people are making fewer impulse buys.

She says consumers are planning their purchases more, meaning internet shopping is preferred as people can research products while having 'convenience, choice and competitive pricing'.

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