Adili is expanding its reach by opening its first stores under its new name Ascension.

The ethical retailer, which began as a pure-play etail offer, will open a flagship store in London’s St Christopher’s Place behind Oxford Street and another in Dorchester in Dorset which will be a clearance store.

Adili chief executive Adam Smith said: “The opening of these stores position Ascension strongly in the fashion sector and are important assets to our brand, as well as being a significant source of sales growth and contribution to profit in their own right.”

He added: “Whilst this development represents a shift in our channel strategy to a multi-channel fashion retailer, the focus on direct sales with the attendant operational gearing benefits to the company remains paramount.”

This week Adili revealed full year results to April 30 with sales up 56% to £552,000. Pre-tax losses widened for the business to £1.9m from £1.5m the year before.