Sales rocketed at home, fashion and accessories retailer Cath Kidston over Christmas, when the retailer’s new click-and-collect service proved popular with shoppers.

Cath Kidston, famous for its quintessentially British style, generated a total sales uplift of 24% during December. In the UK, sales climbed 23.5%.

Chief executive Kenny Wilson did not disclose like-for-likes, but said they were in line with management expectations and that margins had strengthened.

Christmas is an important selling period for Cath Kidston, because half of the items purchased from it are given as gifts.

“We had a good performance in the UK and internationally. We’re pretty pleased,” said Wilson.

During December the retailer generated 22% of its sales online. It also introduced a click-and-collect service, which accounted for approximately 10% of online sales.

Wilson put Cath Kidston’s appeal down to core strengths. “We have a really differentiated, unique brand,” he said. “We have a broad consumer base and breadth of categories, and a wide range of prices.”

The retailer, owned by private equity firm TA, has been expanding internationally and has just opened its first shop in China, in Shanghai. At present there are 60 UK stores and 51 overseas.

A “small number” of British store openings are planned, but the main focus in the coming year will be overseas.

“By the end of the year I hope we’ll have more stores internationally than in the UK, said Wilson.

This year the retailer celebrates its 20th anniversary and a variety of associated activities are planned.

 

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