London department store Liberty has posted a rise in sales over the Christmas period after the retailer flung open its doors to a Channel 4 camera crew to give the viewers an insight into the running of one of London’s most famous stores.

Between November 11 and December 24 sales at the retailer jumped 17% compared to the year before.

The retailer, which was the focus of a three-part Channel 4 documentary in December, also said footfall was up between 45% to 60% over the festive season.

Liberty’s strong sales performance comes after department stores reported mixed trading over the Christmas season. While House of Fraser and John Lewis reported a robust Christmas, Debenhams was forced to post a profit warning.

House of Fraser celebrated a record Christmas, with like-for-likes excluding VAT up 7.3% for the three weeks to December 28. Its star performer was online, with sales jumping 57.7%.

John Lewis also had reason to celebrate with like-for-likes up 6.9% in the five weeks to December 28. However, rival Debenhams had to downgrade its half-year profit forecast 24% to £85m, compared with original forecasts of £112m after its discounting strategy harmed its Christmas results.

 

 

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