Brits spend record amount of £4.5bn online

British consumers have broken the record for the amount spent over the internet in January – with £4.5 billion being used to purchase goods online.

Findings from the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) reveal that the figure was a 75 per cent increase on figures from last year’s January.

Anthoula Madden, vice president of consumer products and retail at Capgemini UK, said: “The index shows that January sales are as large a phenomenon online as they are on the high street, with the overall online market continuing to show strong growth.”

He added that the high growth in the sales of electrical goods and clothing suggests that consumers are treating themselves to items missed from Christmas stocking lists.

According to the results of the survey, consumers spent 38 per cent more on electrical goods over the internet last month compared to January 2007, while clothing figures increased by 32 per cent.

The figures from January contrast with findings from those compiled by the Office for National Statistics which showed that spending in December dropped by 0.4 per cent compared.

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Musical instruments can cause mayhem

As Valentine’s Day approaches (February 14th) the country’s romantic souls are being offered a few words of advice.

Allianz Cornhill Musical Insurance (ACMI) says that this time of year can often lead to accidents involving musical instruments as boyfriends try to impress their beau by serenading them.

According to the firm, many claims are lodged each year regarding damage or accidents involving a musical instrument and they have decided to disclose a few.

Among the most humorous was a claimant whose cello spikes got caught in clothing and led to him falling onto his instrument and breaking it.

Many claims are made regarding young brothers getting carried away in a bit of rough and tumble, only to destroy their prized musical instruments.

Finally, ACMI says it has even received a claim after a wasp flew down someone’s shirt, leading to a fit of panic and a smashed instrument.

“Some of our policyholders have come up with some ingenious ways to damage their instruments so we have become quite expert in providing risk management advice,” said John Feaver from ACMI.

“The advice in this case is quite simple: please don’t try climbing a ladder while playing a guitar or violin – it could seriously damage your health and your instrument.”

If you are considering taking out insurance for your instrument, it may be worth checking your current home insurance policy to see if it is already covered.

Tags: Manufacturers, finance, advice, firm, Types of insurance, clothing, health