BOLTON-based online home appliance retailers AO World enjoyed a festive boost when sales jumped by more than a third in the final three months of 2014.

The company, based at Middlebrook, sells washing machines and fridges and its online sales leapt by 38 per cent in the quarter to the end of December.

Sales of its audio visual goods like TVs, which was introduced in May, also performed well. The company saw a large spike to volumes on Black Friday, but was able to maintain response times and service levels.

Since it was launched in 2000 by its founder and chief executive John Roberts, the business has grown extensively.

By early last year, it was taking a 24 per cent share of the online market for major domestic appliances in the UK with the bulk in sales through its own website and the rest through third parties.

Last February, it floated on the stock market and launched in Germany in October, six months ahead of expectations. Shares rose by almost 8 per cent.

The company's latest festive sales' figures did not include its German operation but Mr Roberts stated that "sales are building well, giving us confidence to explore wider marketing opportunities to drive growth."

He added: "AO World has made continued progress through the third quarter, delivering further strong trading in the UK while moving ahead both operationally and strategically.

"Our brand recognition continues to grow and over this key peak period, including the unprecedented demand seen on Black Friday, we continued to deliver for our customers."

AO World was confident of meeting its full-year targets. Stated Mr Roberts: "I am delighted at the progress we are making in German. We are already receiving great customer feedback, showing that our compelling offer translates well and giving us increased confidence in our ability to replicate our model in other overseas markets."

Since AO World originally floated on the London stock market at 285p a share, however, it has consistently traded below its offer price