Big events pay off for Debenhams

Debenhams' strategy of targeting shoppers over key events such as Easter and the Diamond Jubilee was rewarded with a sharp jump in sales.

The department store chain, which is among the most aggressive discounters on the high street, said like-for-like sales excluding VAT rose 3.1% in the 16 weeks to June 23, compared with 0.3% in the previous half year.