Sales rise at Debenhams
Sales for the 52 weeks ended 2nd September increased by 6.6% compared to the 52 weeks ended 3rd September 2005.
Like-for-like sales have risen by 0.5% compared
to the equivalent period last year.
Debenhams expects to report that profit before taxation and exceptional items is in line with the Board’s expectations at the time of the IPO.
At IPO, Debenhams had a contracted new store opening pipeline of 21 stores. Since then two new department stores have opened in Doncaster and Workington. A further six contracts have been signed, to create a current total pipeline of 25 new department stores.
Rob Templeman, Chief Executive, said ‘We are pleased with our performance and remain well placed as we enter the new financial year. Although, as widely reported, the retail market was challenging in the early part of the summer, there are signs that trading conditions are improving. We continue to successfully manage our stocks and remain confident that the rigorous delivery of our strategy, together with our store expansion programme, will continue to drive the growth potential of Debenhams.’
