Like-for-like sales at The Entertainer surged 12.3% for the 28 weeks to August 11 in a performance that has triggered the toy retailer to accelerate its store opening programme.

When the like-for-like figure is broken down stores delivered a 7.9% growth, while the online business rocketed 52.3%.

It is the sixth consecutive quarter of like-for-like growth at the retailer as it defies the difficult trading conditions.

Total sales soared 31.7% in a period when The Entertainer opened four shops, taking its estate to 69.

Due to a strong second quarter of trading, The Entertainer has added another three shops to its planned store opening programme for the second half of the year, totalling 15 new sites by the end of the financial year.

The Entertainer is also planning to launch its new website in time for Christmas. Shoppers will be able to choose more convenient delivery options, including 30-minute click-and-collect and 90-minute home delivery.

Founder and owner of The Entertainer Gary Grant said: “This is a fantastic performance for the first half of the year and a testament to the strength of the business and the hard work of our teams.

“We are confident about carrying this momentum into the crucial second half of the year to make 2012 The Entertainer’s most successful year yet.”

He added that three stores are set to be relocated to “embrace the company’s latest shop design and branding”.

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