M and M Direct has become the latest online retailer to report a strong Christmas, with sales up 31 per cent in the 10 weeks to January 4.

Online orders were up 57 per cent with 2.6 million taken during the period.

The e-tailer generated£1 million of sales in one day for the first time on December 8.

M and M Direct chief executive Steve Robinson said: “The business did extremely well over the Christmas period against a strong comparative. Customers in these difficult times are embracing the internet and wanting great value products.

“Looking forward to 2009 we believe we are well positioned in a challenging market to offer our customers a continuing great range of products at great prices. It will be those retailers that manage to deliver value for money that will continue to grow.”