On-line retail is a perfect fit for plus-size clothing specialist

N Brown, which has catalogues including Simply Be, Marisota and Jacamo, indicated the transition of customers to internet shopping had continued as on-line sales increased 13 per cent in the 19 weeks to January 9. On-line now accounts for 39 per cent of total sales.

The Manchester-based company said like-for-like sales in the period – excluding its Simply Be venture in Germany and the recently acquired High & Mighty chain – were up 3.6 per cent.

Overall sales increased 4.9 per cent, up from one per cent in the first six weeks of the period.

The firm – which principally targets larger-sized men and women and the older market, with an average age of 57 – has been branching out in recent years by going online and expanding internationally.

Its first overseas foray was Simply Be last year and the firm today said this had performed within expectations, boosting N Brown's plans for further expansion in the US.

The firm said its US market research had shown "positive opportunities" in the country.

N Brown secured its first branded presence on the high street with a rescue purchase of 14 High & Mighty stores for tall and large men in

September and today it said the chain's recent performance gave

it "confidence that it will be a useful addition to our brand portfolio".

The firm said its newer titles Marisota and Jacamo had seen the fastest growth, with increased marketing investment helping to raise customer numbers. Its debtor levels were said to be "stabilising", although the firm said it would continue to provide for bad debts at a higher level than last year until it had seen sustained improving trends in arrears and collections.

"The outlook for the economy in 2010 remains uncertain but we believe our strategic position and flexible business model will enable us to continue the growth of our business," the firm said.

"The board is confident we can deliver a full year performance in line with our expectations."

Kate Heseltine, of Seymour Pierce, said the firm had "slightly exceeded our expectation".

"Across the portfolio, the newer titles focused at the younger generation, Jacamo and Marisota, have returned the strongest growth whilst footwear, menswear and home ranges are also performing well," she said.

"Despite a little early scepticism on our part, the launch of Simply Be in Germany is making good progress as is the integration of acquired

high street retailer High & Mighty."