. .. but web sales are soaring

BOOMING online trading at fashion chain Quiz and homeware retailer Dunelm bucked the gloom engulfing the High Street. Quiz, known for its cheap and cheerful clothes for young people ( pictured), saw online sales rocket by 158pc last year, helping to lift total sales 30pc. Quiz’s chief commercial officer Sheraz Ramzan said part of its success was due to quickly reacting when new fashion trends emerge. He said: ‘It comes down to ensuring you have the relevant offer for your customer, adapting with changing habits.’ Dunelm’s shares flew to close almost 9pc higher last night after it posted a 35.7pc rise in online sales in the 13 weeks to March 31. Its strong online performance boosted total like-for-like sales by 4.6pc to £232.2m. The retailer is now focused on growing its online business, and has halted and further store openings for the year. Sales in its shops rose 1.2pc during the period, which analysts said should be ‘praised’ as heavy snowfalls caused so much trouble for many retailers in February.