INTERNET fashion firm ASOS today said strong demand for party clothing helped drive a 30% leap in Christmas and New Year sales.

However, the figure for the five weeks to January 3 was down on the 47% improvement reported in November and comes after sales more than doubled in the same period a year earlier.

The retailer’s UK arm saw sales rise by a quarter over the first 42 weeks of the financial year to date, while its burgeoning international business notched up 102% growth.