Ecommerce fashion retailer Asos has continued to keep online delivery services busy after an impressive performance in the quarter ending March 31st, with retail sales jumping by 34 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

This signals an especially strong performance given the year of growth enjoyed by the company in 2011 - the company revealed a 69 per cent increase in sales throughout Q4 last year.

International expansion has been a major factor in growth for the UK-based company as it improved its market penetration elsewhere in the world.

British sales only accounted for 38 per cent of its total over the first quarter, with international sales rising to reach 62 per cent of trade. This represents significant global growth for the online retailer, which recently launched new websites in Spain, Italy and Australia.

In terms of the full year of trading, retail sales increased by 49 per cent year on year as the transition to a new warehouse delivered impressive efficiency gains and improved the firm's profit margins.

Chief executive officer Nick Robertson said he was "pleased" to report on such a strong Q4 performance and the success of the company's new international ventures.

"Profit before tax and exceptional items for the full year to March 31st 2012 is expected to be in line with expectations," added Mr Robertson.

He explained that Asos is in a good position to continue its plans for international growth and will "approach the new financial year with confidence".

The ecommerce firm attracts roughly 18.5 million unique visitors on a monthly basis, making it one of the major success stories of online retailing in the UK.

It also offers a massive range of over 50,000 own label and branded clothing items across womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, jewellery and beauty, with new lines being introduced regularly.
 

Author:  Paul Burn