New Look Website Sales Surge 52% As It Looks East

Fashion retailer New Look said sales on its website increased 52 per cent after it improved service and delivery options.

New Look said Click & Collect helped boost demand and accounted for 25 per cent of the site's sales in the financial first-half. It said the group's total online sales, including sales on sites such as Asos, rose 79 per cent.

'E-commerce continues to power ahead. The improved functionality of our site and enhanced delivery options have been well received by customers and we are continuing to invest in this very important part of our business.' said chief executive Anders Kristiansen.

New Look Biker Coat: £49.99

The group said overall sales in the 26 weeks to September 28 rose 6 per cent to £753.2 million. New Look's UK like-for-like sales increased 2.6 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.

Kristiansen said: 'Our strategy is delivering, and there is real momentum in the business. I am particularly pleased with the margin improvement brought about by our continued focus on cost control, tight stock management and reduced discounting.'

But he said: 'In line with the rest of the sector, current trading is more challenging and as yet we are not seeing any benefits of economic recovery feed through to our customers’ pockets. However, we are confident that the strength of New Look’s offer, namely our product, our website, our stores and our people means that we are well placed for the busy Christmas trading period and beyond.'

New Look expects to open its first stores in China this Spring and has already agreed terms on six. It is doing 'due diligence carefully' and has appointed international managing director Bernhard Ruf as part of the push.