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The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index shows Britons spent over £4.8 billion online in July, the equivalent of £79 for every person in the UK.

The survey also shows shoppers continued to shop online despite pressures on disposable income. The figures were in sharp contrast to recent data from the British Retail Consortium, showing high street sales in July were down 0.9% on June.

"Gloomy market conditions have not dampened consumers' appetite for shopping online. Online sales continue to show strong growth, particularly when compared to the tough trading conditions on the high street," says Mike Petevinos, head of consulting for retail at Capgemini UK.

The electrical sector experienced its highest growth this year, boosted by demand for the new Apple iPhone 3G and flat screen televisions ahead of the Olympics.

Capgemini has forecast that between 30% and 50% of all retail sales will be online in the next five years.