Debenhams enjoyed a 12.1 per cent uplift in its online sales for the 19 weeks to January 9th as well as strong demand for gift lines in store. The business processed 220 orders a minute during the Black Friday peak and judicious buying of winter wear meant that it did not get caught with heavy stocks, as had competitors, during the mild weather experienced in the UK. With overall like-for-like sales up by 3.7 per cent Debenhams had much to celebrate. Nonetheless CEO Michael Sharp will be exiting the business this year.
The retailer also confirmed that it had appointed Sir Ian Cheshire as non-executive chairman, succeeding Nigel Northridge, on April 7th.
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