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

Pizza delivery firm Domino’s served up a 27% rise in annual profits today but revealed its record of double-digit sales growth came to a halt in January.

JD Sports Fashion delivered another set of market-beating results today after the retail chain increased half-year profits by 36% to £19.3m (€22.9m).

Investment bank Seymour Pierce has effectively taken control of Birmingham and could put it up for sale after club owner Carson Yeung failed to pay a £2.2m fee to the bank.

Retailer JD Sports Fashion today boasted a 26% rise in annual profits as it sailed clear of recession - but warned of "increasing challenges" ahead.

UK supermarket giant Sainsbury’s posted an 18.5% rise in profits today as its efforts to hike sales and cut costs paid off.

Marks & Spencer will report its latest sales figures today amid increasing anger over Stuart Rose’s dual role as chairman and chief executive.

Royal Dutch Shell posted record annual profits of £22bn (€24.2bn) today, despite a slide in earnings over the final three months of the year.

Department store chain John Lewis said today that sales jumped 27.4% last week as bargain-hunters helped it to a “truly inspirational” result.

Car parts and bicycles chain Halfords today said it remained on track to meet profit targets, despite a further slowdown in sales in recent weeks.

UK Jewellery retailer Theo Fennell today said it had appointed a new boss to head its drive to become a major international luxury brand.

British retail chain Woolworths reported weaker store sales today as it geared up for the Christmas trading season in cautious mood.

Womenswear retailer Jacques Vert today warned of tougher conditions on the high street as it reported a slowdown in sales growth.

DSG International reassured on current trading today after seeing sales at its Currys electricals division grow 3% over the last financial year.

Increased sales to supermarkets and the sunny Easter weather helped lift British chocolate maker Thorntons out of its sales gloom today.

A shortened trading week will see Halfords and Mothercare publish updates, while publisher Bloomsbury will look to restore confidence after its profits warning in December.

UK furniture retailer ScS Upholstery warned today that tough trading conditions had been compounded by problems at a regional distribution operation.

B&Q owner Kingfisher today agreed to sell seven stores for £198m (€287.47m) in a bid to provide stability for the ailing DIY giant.

Book chain Ottakar’s today said it was looking to conclude takeover talks with entertainment retailer HMV “as quickly as possible” as the company reported a further sharp drop in sales.

Struggling fashion chain French Connection issued a third profits warning in 18 months today as it conceded its controversial lesbian kiss advertising campaign had failed to win over shoppers.

Around 1,500 Argos employees were today facing up to a major shake-up in the way the catalogue retailer organises its business.

British high street retailer Woolworth’s today said it had rejected the chance to hold in-depth talks over a takeover worth up to £789m (€1.1bn).

Mining stocks were in the doldrums today after international miner Rio Tinto revealed lower copper and gold production.

Oil prices set a new record high today as production problems caused by Hurricane Ivan continued to weigh on the market.

The cost of oil remained close to its record high in London today amid concerns over tight supplies ahead of the winter.

British retailer Woolworths today said poor weather had failed to dampen trading as it reported a 1% rise in like-for-like sales at its high street stores.