Designers boost Debenhams

Department store group Debenhams hailed the popularity of its designer-led strategy today after achieving further growth in sales and profits.

The retailer, which was acquired by a consortium of private equity groups for £1.7bn (€2.5bn) in December 2003, said a 2.7% rise in like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to February 26 helped it to increase its market share.