Play.com expects to grow share despite market woes

Chief executive Stuart Rowe said: "Of all the specialists, entertainment is the one with more online leaders than the high street. We are very happy with this year so far and are double-digit positive year on year."

Rowe admitted growth is not as easy to achieve at present as it was in the past and said: "We are not going busters like two years ago, but then the rest of the world isn't." However, he was confident of Play.com's prospects and said games would be the engine of growth in 2009.

According to industry body IMRG, online will account for  50 per cent of the overall retail market by 2020 and e-tailers are likely to deliver growth in markets in which bricks and mortar rivals are failing.

Rowe said the collapse of store rivals Zavvi and Woolworths was sad for those affected but strong businesses would benefit – especially next Christmas. "We will step in and try and replace that market," he said.

Rowe added that clothing would be a big focus this year. At present Play.com sells men's and women's branded and licensed products, mainly T-shirts. "We see our clothing business as a very fruitful area for us. Own-label could be an option," he said.

There has also been a sharp increase in demand for the e-tailer's PlayTrade offer since the downturn, with three times as many customers signing up year on year. PlayTrade, which now has 10 million listings, offers customers the chance to sell and buy products from each other.

Rowe said that Play.com's offer and ability to implement customer service innovations is keeping it ahead. The e-tailer this week took the top slot in the National Consumer Satisfaction Index, which covers all sectors of the retail industry.