Mid Wales-based home furnishings chain Laura Ashley is on track to hit targets this year after strong sales by its online arm since the start of the year.

Online sales soared by 74 per cent over the 17 weeks, offsetting a 26 per cent decline in mail order sales, which helped lift the combined direct sales by 42 per cent.

In the 17 weeks to May 29, total UK retail sales increased by 6.2 per cent year-on-year with like-for-like sales up by 5.3 per cent.

The figures for the firm, which has a factory and shop in Newtown and stores in Telford and Shrewsbury, are down slightly from the 5.6 per cent achieved in the first eight weeks.

“Despite the current economic uncertainties, we remain confident of continued growth in 2010 built on the platform of a strong balance sheet with no bank borrowing, a strong brand and a distinctive product offering,” a statement from the company said.