... while Ted Baker and Boohoo thrive online

ONLINE fashion retailer Boohoo has reported soaring sales in the first quarter as it pushed ahead with its ambitious expansion plans.

Luxury clothing label Ted Baker, which has one store in Belfast’s Victoria Square Shopping Centre, also saw its online sales jump by 33.6% in recent months.

It’s the latest indicator that consumers are increasingly opting for online outlets over the high street.

Group sales at Boohoo, which also incorporates the Pretty Little Thing and Nasty Gal brands, jumped 53% to £183.6m in the three months to May 31.

Sales in the UK increased by 49%, up from £74.6m to £110.7m, while its sales in the US were up 75% to £31.4m.

Meanwhile, Ted Baker has reported a rise in revenue across its various sales channels, but warned of an “uncertain” consumer environment.