QD Stores delivered sales up 8% across the Christmas trading period as the value retailer improved product sourcing and benefitted from a new IT system.

QD group managing director Justin Farrington Smith said trading exceeded expectations. “This year the availability has been better, we have seen the benefits of our new stock management system  and last year we took on some good soundings from customers last Christmas to improve this year,” he said.

The value retailer, which operates 38 stores, increased the number of exclusive brands and promotions in store.

It recorded a strong like-for-like sales jump across toys, which were up 33% in December. Meanwhile, grocery like-for-likes increased 26% and menswear surged 21%. Household cleaning and toiletries posted the strongest sales increase up 44%.

Farrington Smith said this year the retailer will open 12 stores and a handful of pop up shops.

But he said more landlords must come forward to offer retailers temporary lettings and improve struggling high streets.

QD will also launch a transactional website this year. Originally planned for launch before Christmas, the website has been delayed.

Farrington Smith said: “We are still in development because we want to make sure it is right first time. We have run various models and we think we’ve got the right product mix.”

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