Online sales bring festive cheer for The Original

Like-for-like sales rose by 3.6 per cent in the six weeks to January 6.

Gross profit was up over 18 per cent whilst total sales rose by 10 per cent.

Top performers included men’s underwear, fragrance and pet accessories which all reported growth of at least 40 per cent.

The best-selling items in December were men’s thermal socks, storage boxes and halogen heaters.

The most popular online sales included netbooks, a food mixer and a Henry vacuum cleaner.

Angela Spindler, chief executive of The Original Factory Shop, said the online business grew by 67 per cent over the Christmas period.

“We sell bigger ticket items online such as beds while we sell bedding in stores. That’s working really well,” she said.

In the current climate online and convenience store shopping are the big growth areas.

The snow has also boosted the retailer’s January sales as shoppers have shunned destinations that they need to drive to and switched to convenience stores on the high street.

“This weather is great for us,” said Ms Spindler. “Our business thrives on people shopping locally. We are selling a lot of socks, hats, gloves and boots at the moment.

“We’ve made a very good start to 2013. We’re delighted with how we’re doing. I don’t think the market will do us any favours, but I think we’ll outperform the market. We’re selling quality brands at discounted prices.”

Over the festive period sock sales were up 17 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

Men and ladies basics nightwear and underwear sales also rose 17 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

Pet accessories sales were up 13 per cent, home decor sales rose 11 per cent and stationery and craft categories were up 10 per cent.

Branded footwear sales were up for both men and women, 11 per cent and 29 per cent respectively.

Electrical sales were up 10 per cent.

Christmas sales got stronger as the month progressed and Christmas Eve was the highest turnover day ever.