Debenhams says bad weather hits LFL sales

UK department store chain Debenhams Plc said bad weather in December impacted like-for-like sales by 2.5 percent to 3.0 percent for the 19 weeks to January 8.

Group gross transaction value for the 19 weeks grew 4.2 percent. Like-for-like sales rose 0.3 percent including VAT and fell 1.3 percent excluding VAT.

Debenhams Direct and the instore ordering service recorded a sales increase of 88.5 percent during the period, the company said.

The performance of our business year-to-date has been pleasing, especially given the widespread disruption in December caused by bad weather which undoubtedly impacted group like-for-like sales by 2.5-3.0 percent over the 19 week period, said chief executive Rob Templeman.

Debenhams said it has continued to gain market share and added that its market share in women's clothing has begun to demonstrate growth.

Debenhams operates 167 stores in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark, comprising 154 full departments stores and 13 Desire by Debenhams stores, which is a small store concept featuring an edited product range. Debenhams also has 61 international franchise stores in 24 countries.

Shares of Debenhams closed Friday's trading at 74.20 pence on the London Stock Exchange, 8.67 percent below its 52-week high of 81.25, set on April 12, 2010.