Debenhams sales and profits up

Debenhams has reported a 1.7% rise in sales for the 26 weeks to February 27.

Debenhams

Like-for-like sales, which exclude new stores and expansions, were up 0.3%.

Debenhams says it increased its market share in menswear, childrenswear and home during the six-month period.

Debenhams marketing director Alison Jones announced in February that she is to leave the department store chain and join the Arcadia Group.

The department store chain also said that it saw a significant increase in profit margin following its focus on own brand products and its Designers at Debenhams brand and cutting back on concession space.

In February, Debenhams revived the Principles brand, which was bought out of administration by the department store chain last year and the company expects the brand to become one of its most successful brands.

Debenhams also launched H! a fashion range by designer Henry Holland, which officially lunches in stores tomorrow (17 March).

Pixie Geldof has been revealed as the face of the brand.

Chief executive Rob Templeman said that since the chain reported its Christmas trading update it had seen rising like for like sales despite the disruption from snow and severe weather in January and February.

Templeman also says the chain will embarking on a refurbishment programme in the coming months.

The group operates 158 stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.