Debenhams boosted by cross-border shopping

THE large numbers of Irish shoppers heading north for their shopping requirements has helped boost first half profits at British department store operator, Debenhams by nearly 11%.

The company — which entered the Irish market through its acquisition of the Roches Stores business three years ago — yesterday announced a 10.7% year-on-year rise in half-year pre-tax profits to £104.2 million (e116.7m).

Revenue for the six months to the end of February amounted to £1.31 billion — a 0.3% increase on the same period last year. Operating profit, meanwhile, was up by just under 6% at £134.7m.