In the first half of 2011, retail sales at ASOS increased by 60 per cent, despite only inching up 8 per cent in the UK. Compensating for the slow growth at home, international sales soared, rising 150 per cent year-on-year. During the period, ASOS launched three new international websites, for Australia, Spain and Italy.
Speaking of ASOS, the Guardian talks to Sarah Curran, founder of luxury-apparel website My-Wardrobe.com, about her niche in the market and how she plans to grow the business further.
Online sunglasses and watch retailer Shadestation is forecasting record turnover of £5 million for 2011 following year-on-year growth of some 45 per cent. Shadestation opened its flagship store in Leeds last month.
Discover Leisure, a direct seller of camping and caravan gear, has suspended trading of its shares pending clarification of its financial position. In the year ended 31st August, turnover was £49.8 million, down from £52.3 million in 2010. Loss before tax was £1.5 million.
Harrods has broken past the £1 billion sales barrier for the first time, in the year to 2nd January. Profits are up 39 per cent to £108.3 million, reports the Financial Times.
Well done QVC. The TV-shopping channel raised £500,000 for Breast Cancer Care during its three-hour “Be Aware, Show You Care” broadcast on Wednesday, 12th October. Vendors, including Jemma Kidd, Kipling, Leighton Denny, and Lulu and Mally, donated products which were sold at special prices, with all net proceeds going to the charity. The total represents a 15 per cent increase on last year.
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