In a trading statement which was brought forward from July 3, Debenhams said like-for-like sales rose 1 per cent in the ten week period since April 15.
Gross transaction value for the 42 weeks to 21 June 2008 was 1.3 per cent higher than the same period last year. Although like-for-like sales were down by 0.6% for the 42 week period, over the ten weeks since the last trading update at the interim results, like-for-like sales have grown by 1.0 per cent.
Debenhams’ new 130,000 square feet flagship store opened in Liverpool at the end of May and is trading ahead of expectations the firm said.
Rob Templeman, Chief Executive of Debenhams, said ‘In light of the tough trading environment across the whole UK retail sector, we are pleased with customer response to our new ranges and, as a result, our improving sales performance for the period. The strength of Designers at Debenhams is particularly pleasing. We continue to take market share across our key product categories.’
