M AND M Sports Ltd, the Leominster-based leading UK online and mail order retailer says it is "experiencing unparalleled success online".

The company, that specialises in discounted branded sports, leisure, outdoor and fashion goods has been monitored in a range of categories, by Hitwise, leaders in real-time competitive intelligence.

They were ranked 2 within Shopping and Classifieds - Sports and Fitness, in July, ahead of significantly higher profile brands such as JJB Sports Online (who rank at 8) and JD Sports (who rank at 14) both of whom benefit greatly from a strong offline presence.

www.mandmsports.com also ranked at 8 within Shopping and Classifieds - Apparel & Accessories, also in July, ahead of household name retailers such as River Island, Monsoon, Dorothy Perkins and Laura Ashley.

M and M Sports have always benefited from solid relationships with leading sports, leisure and outdoor brands such as Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Ben Sherman, Fred Perry, Rockport, Timberland and Berghaus.

Mike Tomkins, M and M's chief executive, commenting on the high rankings, said: "Our business has always had an impressive and consistent track record of profit growth and cash generation."

He continued: "This current data is an illustration of our commanding position in the market.

"We continue to make strong progress on sales, year on year, in contrast to our main competitors and, notably, against the background of high street gloom, the marked slowdown in property prices and uncertain economic forecasts on growth."

He concluded: "Nonetheless, we continue to host the busiest website few have even heard of.

"And it's getting busier every day, with more hits than Manchester United."