Bolton-based online electrical retailer AO World plc said on Friday it is creating 650 new jobs across the UK in its retail, mobile, tech, financial services and logistics divisions.

The recruitment drive comes as AO said it prepares for “significant growth” and to manage the sustained demand sparked by customers turning to AO “after Covid-19 accelerated online shopping habits, building on the growth that AO saw in 2019.”

On Thursday, AO World said it recorded strong year-on-year revenue growth of 58.9% to £401.3 million in the UK and of 91.5% to €74.3 million in Germany in the four months ended July 31. 

AO shares have soared about 190% in the past 12 months.

In a trading update for its Annual General Meeting on Thursday,  the company said it believes there has been a “structural shift” in demand where customers have found “a better way” to shop the electricals category.

AO said on Friday it is looking to fill vacancies in various locations including Manchester, Bolton, Telford, Thatcham and Crewe and, in some cases, working from home.

AO already employs about 3,000 people.

AO founder and CEO John Roberts said: “AO went into Covid-19 fit and focused on the future. 

“The pandemic accelerated a shift in customer behaviour towards online shopping – we saw five years’ change in five weeks.

“We now have the opportunity to make AO a habit that lasts for our new customers. 

“We’re investing to cement the change and prepare for our next phase of growth which includes creating hundreds of new, high quality jobs for a diverse range of talented people.”