Private sales site Brand Alley has had an “excellent” year, posting a 61% sales surge in the final quarter of 2011.

The UK arm of the French company said its unique visitors have risen 92% in the quarter.

Brand Alley UK chief executive Rob Feldmann said the “impressive growth rate” was achieved “against the backdrop of challenging economic conditions that have affected the UK retail sector over the Christmas period”.

He added: “2012 will, we believe, prove to be yet another exciting year of further opportunity and continued growth for the Company.

“We remain extremely committed to delivering the highest levels of customer service to our members by providing them with direct access to the very best and latest brands at highly discounted prices.

“We will continue to be the market leader in the UK and become a key player in online retailing.”

Brand Alley said it is to launch a mobile site “shortly”.

Antoine Leloup, the current chief executive of Brand Alley Group, has been appointed president with immediate effect following the departure of Sven Lung.