AO.com has delivered a strong rise in sales across both the UK and Germany as boss John Roberts says accelerated online sales amid Covid-19 have ‘emphasised our strengths’.
The electricals etailer said its UK sales in the six months to September 30 were up approximately 54%, while sales across its German division surged approximately 83% on a constant currency basis.
The online retailer pointed to continued sales momentum across its UK business in the second quarter despite the reopening of stores as an indication of “a lasting step change in online penetration”.
Chief executive and founder John Roberts said the business was in a strong financial position before the pandemic and that “the global, structural shift in customer behaviour to online, accelerated by Covid, emphasised our strengths”.
AO said increased investment in its infrastructure and teams and costs incurred from operational challenges during the pandemic have been offset “by less competition in some marketing channels and additional delivery income as we have managed demand”.
The etailer said its German business is on track to achieve profitability on a monthly EBITDA basis over peak.
Against this backdrop, Roberts is confident of a strong performance over Black Friday and Christmas.
“Whilst we remain mindful of the uncertain economic climate caused by the pandemic and Brexit, we are on track with plans and well set for our biggest ever peak trading period in the UK and Germany,” he said.
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