Amazon is now the fifth biggest player in UK retail, new figures from Global Data suggest.

Amazon accounted for over £4 in every £100 spent on retail in 2017, with a 4.2% share of retail spend, behind the big four grocery giants Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons.

Online pureplay continues to outstrip growth in the UK online channel, with retail revenue estimated to have risen by 22.5% in 2017, in comparison to total online spend rising 8.4%.

The company is believed to have accounted for 33.5% of all UK spend online in 2017 versus 29.6% in 2016.

Sofie Willmott, senior retail analyst at Global Data, said: “Amazon is soaring up the ranks of UK retail with the online behemoth only held off the top spot by the big four grocers in 2017.

“Its dominance in the retail market considering it primarily sells non-essential items in comparison to the grocers who benefit from selling indispensable, everyday goods, and that it does not have any physical stores in the UK, is evidence of how Amazon has continually innovated and succeeded in meeting consumer needs, in terms of both product range and shopping experience.’’

 ‘‘It is imperative that retailers continue to give shoppers a reason to visit and purchase from their own sites, such as exclusive products or loyalty rewards, to maximise profits and consolidate their place in the market,’’ Willmott added.