Shares in ASOS were down on the FTSE AIM 100 in Friday morning trading after the online fashion store reported a rise in sales in the half year ended 30 September 2011.

Retail sales in the period rose 60 per cent to £210.9 million, thanks in part to a 150 per cent increase in International sales to £122.2 million. In Britain, sales increased 8 per cent to £88.7 million.

Group revenue in the period jumped 56 per cent to £217.2 million.

During the period ASOS launched three new websites in Australia, Spain and Italy.

Nick Robertson, CEO of ASOS, commented, "I am pleased to report a strong first half performance. Our retail sales grew 60 per cent over the comparable period, with our International business more than compensating for the economic challenges facing our UK customer base.

"During the period we launched three more country specific sites in Australia, Italy and Spain taking the total number of ASOS sites to 7 (including the UK).

"With costs and stock tightly managed and retail margin ahead of prior year, we are confident of achieving results in line with market expectations."

By 09:10 shares in ASOS were down 9.23 per cent on the FTSE AIM 100 to 1,367.00 pence per share.

FTSE Australia