Festive demand brings cheer for fashion firm ASOS

However, the figure for the five weeks to January 3 was down on the 47 per cent improvement reported in November and com-es after sales more than doubled in the same period a year earlier. The retailer's UK arm saw sales rise by a quarter over the first 42 weeks of the financial year to date, while its burgeoning international business notched up 102 per cent growth.

ASOS, which stands for As Seen on Screen, has slowed sales growth in the UK as it said the group's warehouse and systems would not have been able to cope with another doubling of sales. The group added that the adverse weather before Christmas came as a "double edged sword", driving more snowed-in shoppers online, but making deliveries more difficult.

However, ASOS said there was no material impact either way.

Chief executive Nick Robertson said he was "pleased to report another excellent Christmas for ASOS" and confirmed the group was confident in the full year outcome.

ASOS is launching a US-specific website this year to meet increasing demand in America.

France, Germany, Ireland, Denmark and Sweden are also key overseas markets for the firm, which said international sales now make up a quarter of total turnover.