Debenhams H1 sales up

UK department store operator Debenhams Plc announced sales for the first half ended March 1, 2003 up 5.8% to GBP 992.1 million. On a like-for-like basis, sales increased 3.5%, Debenhams said in a statement. Pre-tax profit rose 4.8% to GBP 96.5 million. The company opened three new stores in the first half, in Perth, Basingstoke and Redditch.

New stores are a major part of Debenhams' growth strategy. Since March 1, the chain has opened branches in Inverness and East Kilbride, giving it a total of 102 pos in the UK and Ireland. Debenhams announced plans for five new stores, in Newport, Blackpool, Harlow, Newry and Craigavon, scheduled for opening by 2007. This is in addition to 11 new stores already in the pipeline for the company in the same timeframe.