Debenhams upbeat after strong sales
The group, which has 169 stores in the UK, Ireland and Denmark, reported top-line growth of 0.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis in the nine weeks to August 27, compared with a fall of 0.4 per cent over the previous 43 weeks.
During the period, Debenhams started its summer sale five days early to steal a march on competitors, helping it enter the autumn season with low stock levels.
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Hide AdThe group said gross margin for the full-year may be slightly down as a result of the discounting and competitive pricing, but the additional sales generated will help push profits for the year above City expectations of a five per cent increase to £158m.
The strategy helped the chain boost its market share of clothing and premium health and beauty.