UK sets the internet retail pace, says the founder of Superdry

Online retail in the UK is the most advanced in the world, according to the chief executive and founder of the fashion brand Superdry.

Julian Dunkerton said: "We have undoubtedly become the international brand we are today because the UK is in a fortunate position that we are more advanced online than any other nation on the planet. That puts UK retailers in a great position to be ahead of international competitors."

His company, SuperGroup, said sales jumped 22 per cent to £141m in the 13 weeks to 26 January. A cut-price deal with eBay was scrapped as more full-priced items were sold. Mr Dunkerton also said the company avoided the pitfalls of other retailers by refusing to offer discounts before the Boxing Day sales.

Next and Ted Baker had impressive festive trading by not offering pre-Christmas discounts while Marks & Spencer and Debenhams discounted heavily and saw muted results.