Online sales last month hit a record high of £4.5 billion.

This figure, released by the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, is the equivalent of£74 for every person in the UK, representing a year-on-year increase of 75 per cent.

Electricals and fashion were the most popular sectors for online bargain hunters, with year-on-year growth up 38 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. Health and beauty also jumped 18 per cent.

Beer and wine sales gained the least ground with a rise of 9.8 per cent.

The growth in online sales volumes in the past three months is more than double that of the same period last year and is at the highest levels since January 2003, partly because of more high street retailers entering the online arena.

IMRG managing director Jo Evans said: “Our members report that they have seen better than ever growth and larger retailers have had a particularly successful month. The internet is clearly allowing shoppers to make the most of Sales periods and avoid the hectic high streets.”