Fat Face posts record Christmas as sales jump 11%

Its festive performance comes on the back of an 11% jump in sales to £85.7m in its first half to December 1.

The 205-store retailer said it made market share gains while “restoring the brand to a predominately full price offer”.

Online sales, which now account for 11% of overall sales, jumped 65% over the Christmas period.

Fat Face chief executive Anthony Thompson said: “We’re now seeing the benefits of investing in quality, style and value for money and are on track to building a stronger business for better times.”

Fat Face chairman Alan Giles added: “The resilience of our brand is becoming clear as the business is performing consistently in an unpredictable market. Whilst there are always opportunities to improve, trading was particularly encouraging and the business remains well funded and cash generative.”

The retailer, which opened seven new stores during the first half, plans to open a further eight to 10 stores in the next financial year.

Fat Face said it remains cautious about the outlook for the rest of the year in light of continuing pressure on consumers’ disposable incomes.