Department store Debenhams hailed a resurgent year on the UK high street as it announced plans to open another 17 British stores over the next five years.

Fashion retailer French Connection Group, which has outlets in Ireland, has reported a half-year loss and said it expected to stay in the red for the full year, sending its shares down as much as 23%.

A strong performance in home accessories and growth overseas today helped furniture-to-fashion retailer Laura Ashley post a 14% jump in half-year profits.

Marks & Spencer’s worst trading performance for three years triggered a boardroom casualty today after its womenswear range failed to strike a chord with shoppers.

The owner of PC World and Currys offered some cheer from the embattled sector today as it posted a 15% hike in UK & Ireland profits after a rebound in sales.

The downward spiral in profits at Carpetright continued today after the retailer warned its markets remained “weak and volatile”.

The survival hopes of ailing sportswear chain JJB Sports were lifted today despite another batch of negative trading figures.

World markets struggled to make progress today after another meeting on the eurozone debt crisis failed to ease traders' nerves.

Entertainment group HMV insisted today that it still has a future – despite reporting a further drop in sales in the run-up to Christmas.

The boss of struggling entertainment group HMV today vowed to press on with plans to overhaul its technology offering as he reported another plunge in sales over the summer.

Carpetright has issued its second profits warning of the year in a further blow for the floor coverings firm as it battles weak consumer confidence.

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

Superdry fashion firm SuperGroup eyed major growth in Europe today after a deal worth €40m for its biggest franchisee.

The maker of Spode and Royal Worcester ceramics today said 2010 will be a record year for sales after a surge in demand from overseas buyers.

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).

Fashion chain Next today said it remained on track to grow sales and profits this year, despite its fears of a post-election spending slowdown.

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

Christmas failed to bring any cheer for retailer Game Group as the continuing slump in the computer games market saw a further slide in its sales.

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

Fashion chain Next today said its shoppers were in better financial shape than first feared as it upped its sales forecasts for the rest of the year.

Babycare chain Mothercare produced another strong set of trading figures today as it continues to shield itself against rising cost pressures.

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

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.

The Icelandic investment group that owns a host of retailers including Hamleys today denied it was looking at placing its UK business into administration.

Shares in Woolworths rose sharply today as investors awaited Iceland founder Malcolm Walker’s next move in his pursuit of the group’s retail arm.

Department store chain Debenhams saw shares hit a record low today amid fresh City fears over the group’s financial health in a tougher retail climate.