Debenhams says sales are improving since Christmas

BRITISH department store Debenhams has said that like-for-like sales in the first half of its current financial year have risen marginally and that sales have been improving since Christmas.

The retailer is due to publish its interim results – for the six months to the end of February – next month, when it will also likely show that its pre-tax profits are also on the up.

Group chief executive, Rob Templeman said that the first half performance has been pleasing and that in the calendar year, 2009, Debenhams was “one of only a handful of retailers” to increase sales, margins and profits.

“And we have done so again in the first half of 2010. Against the backdrop of challenging trading conditions, we have delivered profit growth on a consistent basis for the past 18 months,” he added.

Ireland provided Debenhams with its first overseas expansion in 2006, when the company acquired the old Roches Stores brand. Debenhams now owns 14 stores on the island of Ireland. More details on the performance of those outlets should be available when the group reports first half figures on April 13.