Multichannel retailer Littlewoods Shop Direct's sales rose 7 per cent for the six weeks to January 4, driven by strong online sales.

Internet sales rocketed 44 per cent compared with the same period last year, with clothing and footwear leading the performance.

Sales at the Littlewoods Direct brand jumped 20 per cent and online sales shot up 80 per cent.

Stock levels were 10 per cent below that of 2006, while gross margins were maintained, according to the group.

Littlwoods group chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said: “We are two years into our five-year turnaround and are pleased with our progress to date, whilst recognising there is still much to do.”

Topics