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Debenhams sales beat forecasts

Debenhams beat market expectations for its Christmas trading figures and said it was well-placed to weather further uncertainty in the consumer environment, as it continued to focus on improving gross margins. In the 18 weeks to January 2, like-for-like sales at the department store chain rose 0.1 per cent compared with last year, in line with the company’s internal forecast but exceeding analyst expectations, which were for a decline of about 0.5 per cent. Gross transaction value rose 1.6 per cent on the previous year.

“With the rise in VAT and a general election pending, the consumer environment remains uncertain and difficult to predict,” said Rob Templeman, chief executive.

“Against this backdrop, we will continue to execute our strategy of improving gross margins through the expansion of our successful and exclusive Designers at Debenhams range.”

The department store retailer has been pursuing a “self-help” strategy of devoting increasing floor space to own-bought merchandise lines such as Ben de Lisi and Butterfly by Matthew Williamson. Although the move away from concessions leads to lower sales densities, it drives margins and gross profit.

Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories including Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear, Home and Health and Beauty. Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.

Debenhams has a total of 144 department stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and 13 Desire by Debenhams stores, which is a small store concept featuring a mix of womenswear, accessories, lingerie, cosmetics and childrenswear. Debenhams has 50 international franchise stores in 18 countries and an online store, www.debenhams.com, through which much of the Debenhams range is available.

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Designers at Debenhams include Ted Baker, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, Pip Hackett, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha and Matthew Williamson.

Image: Debenhams

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