Hobbs’ online sales grew by more than 60% over Christmas, with Boxing Day its busiest day.
The multichannel fashion retailer today said online sales rose by 60.2% in the 10 weeks to January 5, compared to the same period in the previous year. At the same time, store sales were up by 6.1%, giving total sales across channels a lift of 16.4%.
The website’s busiest day was December 26, when online sales were up by 80% on the previous year.
Hobbs chairman Iain MacRitchie said in a Christmas trading update: “We are delighted with our Christmas performance, achieving good growth in sales across all labels and channels, despite a tough trading environment.
“Our multichannel offer plays an important role in providing our customers with a great shopping experience during the busy Christmas period. While we anticipate conditions will remain challenging for the retail sector over the coming year, we are looking forward to continued growth across the business both domestically and internationally in 2013.”
Hobbs sells from 140 branches in the UK and Ireland, with further franchise stores in the UAE and Sweden. Its online business now delivers to more than 50 countries. The core Hobbs label now sits alongside two sister brands, NW3, aimed at a younger market, and which saw its sales rise by 35% in the period, and Invitation, launched in 2013.
The uplift to sales continues a trend Hobbs previously reported in November, when it said ecommerce sales had lifted by 55% following the relaunch of its website, and that it was targeting expansion in the UK and overseas.
Rakuten LinkShare reacted to the news both of Hobbs’ figures and of a boost to online sales at LK Bennett, whose website is now reported to generate three times the sales of its flagship London store. Mark Haviland, managing director of the CPA network, said: “It’s clear that online is becoming an increasingly integral part of the purchase journey for shoppers looking for high end luxury goods, as online sales continue to grow for these brands. Shopping online is not just for bargain hunters; the channel has the power to drive serious sales for luxury retailers.”
