Debenhams ‘pleased’ with half-year sales performance

DEPARTMENT store chain Debenhams overcame a challenging winter for retailers as it revealed a “pleasing” performance for half-year sales.

The group, which has 167 stores in the Britain, Ireland and Denmark, expects to meet the city’s profit forecasts for the six months to February 26.

Debenhams’ shares jumped 4% as analysts said the group’s strategy of boosting margins by sourcing more of its own designer brands continued to pay off in a market impacted by weather disruption and weak consumer confidence.