Debenhams posts record December sales
Debenhams posted record December sales this morning, boosted by growth in online shopping and an increase in promotional activity.
Like for like sales in the five weeks to 5 January were up five per cent year on year, while over a period of 18 weeks, sales at stores open longer than a year rose 2.9 per cent.
The numbers were flattered by strong growth online, as the department store chain posted a higher-than-expected 39 per cent increase in online sales.
“We don’t anticipate a significant change in consumer confidence in the remainder of the year. We remain committed to prudent investment in key areas of the business to deliver long-term sustainable growth as well as driving shareholder value,” Michael Sharp, chief executive of Debenhams, said this morning.