Debenhams hopeful for new ranges

Department store group Debenhams today looked to its new spring and summer ranges for a boost after a further drop in underlying sales.

The group revealed a fall in like-for-like sales of 4.5% for the winter period covering the 26 weeks to March 4, a bigger decline than the 4% drop seen in the nine weeks to January 13.

Chief executive Rob Templeman said he expected the retail environment to remain challenging, but added signs were positive for its new ranges.

He said: “Although it is far too early to draw conclusions on the performance of our spring and summer ranges, we have been encouraged by the consumer reaction to our new collections.”

Debenhams has 140 stores across the UK and Ireland with approximately 10.1 million square feet of trading space and around 21,500 employees.