Debenhams, the second- biggest department store group in Britain, has bucked the trend in retail with a rise in second-half sales.

The firm said it was winning market share and would meet expectations for 2011 to 2012 pretax profit of about £158 million (€175 million). It said sales were boosted by the so-called “lipstick factor”.

“People still buy health and beauty whatever,” said chief executive Rob Templeman.