DEBENHAMS, Britain’s number two department store group, said a plan to reinstate its dividend in 2011 did not mean acquisitions were off the table as the firm posted an expected 21% rise in full-year profit.

Debenhams today said it was expecting annual profits to rise by around 20% after it put margins ahead of sales in a “year of change”.

Department store chain Debenhams today said it was pleased with trading so far this year, despite a weakening in sales over recent weeks.

A CHALLENGING year for Debenhams Retail (Ireland) saw its pre-tax profits plunge from €16.7 million to almost €6m last year.

DEBENHAMS suffered a £10.1 million (€11.5m) first half hit from the restructuring of its Irish operations, but still saw its half-year profits exceed market expectations.

BRITISH department store Debenhams has said that like-for-like sales in the first half of its current financial year have risen marginally and that sales have been improving since Christmas.

UK department store chain Debenhams today said it had maintained sales and profit growth through the cold snap and a “challenging” trading backdrop.

SALES at Debenhams increased this Christmas despite the department store discounting less items than the previous year.

Department store group Debenhams today said it was pleased with Christmas trading after profits improved for the second year in a row.

Department store chain Debenhams today hailed the success of its "Designers at Debenhams" range in helping to deliver a 14% rise in annual profits.

Department store chain Debenhams today said it expected to deliver a rise in annual profits, despite a revamp of its shops hitting sales.

THE large numbers of Irish shoppers heading north for their shopping requirements has helped boost first half profits at British department store operator, Debenhams by nearly 11%.

Department store Debenhams today said half-year profits rose 10.7% after the popularity of its Designers at Debenhams range boosted market share.

Sales of designer ranges are booming in the economic and consumer downturn, department store chain Debenhams said today.

Debenhams today said profits were up on last year after the department store chain achieved a “creditable” Christmas trading performance.

One of Britain's leading female retailers is to leave a senior role at Debenhams after less than a year, the department store announced today.

Debenhams slashed its shareholder payout today as it focused efforts on coping with the consumer downturn and cutting a £1bn (€1.2bn) debt mountain.

Department store Debenhams today said it was encouraged by market share-gains after like-for-like sales fell 4.2% amid the current economic turmoil.

Department store chain Debenhams allayed fears over trading today after reporting a “marked improvement” in business during August.

Debenhams countered fears over the group’s financial health today by reporting a rise in sales for the past 10 weeks.

BRITISH retailer Debenhams has said first-half sales fell after higher living costs caused consumers to spend less on clothes.

Department store chain Debenhams today underlined the tough high street conditions this year as it unveiled a half-year sales dip.

DEBENHAMS has reported a good performance at its Irish shops over Christmas, while Tesco’s Irish sales also appear strong.

Debenhams said its autumn and winter ranges were being well received as the department store chain offered early signs of a trading revival today.

Department store chain Debenhams failed to show a sales recovery today as it warned the near-term retail environment could become more challenging.

Department store chain Debenhams has approached a number of continental retailers about the possibility of a merger, it was reported today.

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

Department store chain Debenhams said today that underlying sales fell over the festive period after a weak performance for its clothing ranges.

Department store chain Debenhams today delivered an upbeat trading statement and said there were signs that conditions in the retail market were improving.

Debenhams unveiled plans today to open four new department stores and a clutch of boutique-style shops around the UK.

Debenhams prepared to list on the London stock market for the third time today after a spell away from the limelight proved profitable for owners and managers.

Department store Debenhams was today reported to be finalising plans for a £3bn (€4.3bn) flotation and will launch on the London Stock Exchange as soon as next month.

UK department store Debenhams bucked the downward trend on the high street today as it more than doubled its profits.

Car parts and bicycle retailer Halfords kept sales heading in the right direction today by posting a 2.7% rise in like-for-like business.

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

A former Scottish soccer boss is to replace the chief executive of car accessories and cycle retailer Halfords, it was announced today.

Department store group Debenhams said today it expected to report improved market share and profits following the Christmas and New Year period.