ASOS aims to b the Amazon of fashion

Online fashion firm ASOS hasn't noticed a downturn in consumer spending and is planning a range of initiatives aimed at staying ahead of growing competition from store groups, its chief executive said.

Nick Robertson, speaking to Reuters at ASOS's clothes-strewn headquarters, said the group was aiming to become the fashion equivalent of books, DVDs and consumer electricals Internet pioneer Amazon.com, with plans for a marketplace for second-hand clothes and homepages tailored for customers.

"Everyone's online bit of their retail mix is growing like stink," he said, adding that sales growth was so strong that "we can't notice" the downturn in consumer spending that has ravaged the sales, and share prices, of traditional stores groups.

ASOS, whose current bestsellers include tulip skirt dresses, tartan prom dresses and knitted boots, reported a 95 percent rise in first-quarter sales in June. Mr Robertson declined to say whether sales growth remained over 90 percent but, when asked, said: "Suffice to say I have a very big grin on my face."