German fashion etailer Zalando said it is “optimistic” for the rest of the year after sales surged 28.5% during its first quarter.

German fashion etailer Zalando said it is “optimistic” for the rest of the year after sales surged 28.5% during its first quarter.

The online retailer, which only moved into the black at the end of last year, reported earnings before interest and tax of €29m (£21m) compared with a €23m loss the previous year.

Zalando sales rose 28.5% to €644m during the period. The Berlin-based etailer added that revenue growth will be at the upper end or slightly above its previous prediction of 20-25%.

Zalando board member Rubin Ritter said: “We are optimistic about the remainder of the year,” adding that the retailer is now bidding to expand internationally.

It currently ships 1,500 brands to customers in 15 countries, but will increase its staff by 25% from 8,000 to around 10,000 by the end of 2015 to drive its expansion plans. Zalando said the new staff will be hired mainly in the technology and logistics fields.