EBay sales in the UK grew 17% on last year in the three months to December 31.

The auction and online sales site said total sales across all markets grew 16% for the period to reach $2.6bn (£1.6bn).

In the UK this year EBay launched a Top Rated Sellers programme and sales for these sellers grew 35% over its last quarter.

The etailer has been consistently moving away from just third party sellers and in September launched an Outlet area to attract more retailers to its site. Debenhams, JD Sports and Argos are amongst several retailers to set up shops with EBay and take advantage of its heavy visitor traffic.