Online spending up 16 percent in November

LONDON (Reuters) - Britons spent 16 percent more online in November than in the same month last year, signalling that Internet retailers continue to outperform high-street store groups in the economic downturn, a survey showed Tuesday.

Sales were up 26 percent on October, led by strong demand for accessories, gifts and alcoholic drinks, the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index showed.

The survey did not give a figure for the total amount of money spent online.

"The Christmas spirit is with us, but it seems clear that shoppers are being more considered than ever in making their generosity fit their budgets," Mike Petevinos, head of consulting for retail at Capgemini UK, said in a statement.

"The current climate is causing consumers to turn to the internet to help them make more informed value decisions and purchases."

(Reporting by Mark Potter; Editing by Hans Peters)