Avenue.com puts up record 2005 web sales

Online sales are sizzling at United Retail Group, a multi-channel retailer of moderately priced plus-size women`s clothing.

In 2005 United Retail, No. 345 in the Internet Retailer Top 400 Guide to Retail Web Sites, increased web sales 120% to $14.1 million from $6.4 million in 2004. By comparison, total 2005 sales increased just 10% to $438.7 million from $399.3 million in 2004.

United Retail also turned in a strong fourth quarter—web sales increased 137% year over year, though the retailer, which operates 500 Avenue stores nationwide, didn’t break out specific numbers. “Online sales continue to grow at a fast pace during this quarter and year principally from a greater number of active customers and a resulting increase in transactions,” says president and CEO Raphael Benaroya.

United Retail, which operates Avenue.com and two other web sites, also is expanding its direct marketing channel. In February United Retail announced it is piloting an Avenue catalog with Redcats USA, No. 25 in the Internet Retailer Top 400 Guide to Retail Web Sites.

Under the pilot program, United Retail will contribute the brand while Redcats will develop and mail the catalog and measure initial results. “This test is risk-free for United Retail Group. We will determine how to proceed with the opportunity only after assessing customer response,” Benaroya says.