International sales lift ASOS

19th Jan 2011 07:20

Rapid expansion at its international businesses helped online fashion group ASOS rack up more big sales over the Christmas period.Revenue in the three months to end December overall rose by 59% to £100m, with a 156% improvement overseas to £43.7m. UK sales growth slowed to 23% at £56.3m. Retail gross margin was in line with guidance, ASOS said.Europe, outside of the UK, and the rest of the World were the best performers with sales up 102% in Europe to £24.5m and by 300% to £14m elsewhere in the World. "I am pleased to report on another very strong quarter with retail sales growth accelerating to 59%, up from 50% in the first half. Our UK business grew 23% and our International business grew 156%, helped by the introduction of our US, French and German websites in October 2010 and a free global shipping offer in the run up to Christmas. International sales now represent 44% of the total up from 37% in the first half," chief executive Nick Robertson said. "With international sales continuing to perform well, we remain confident about the outlook and expect our full year results to be in line with market expectations," he added.