Debenhams, Britain's number two department store chain, posted a fall in first-quarter sales, although there were signs of improvement over the key Christmas trading period.

The firm, which has 240 stores and trades across 28 countries, said on Tuesday UK like-for-like sales fell 0.8 per cent in the 19 weeks to January 10th, compared with an analyst forecast range of -2 per cent to 2 per cent.

However, over the four weeks to Jan 10 underlying sales were up 4.9 per cent, with revenues boosted by less discounting and an improved online delivery offer.

Reuters