Luxury department store Fortnum & Mason has notched up a record Christmas despite, it said, the snow, tube strikes and student riots in central London.

In December sales rose 13%, with direct sales jumping 47%.

In the week before Christmas footfall increased 28%, while average transaction value grew 4% compared with last year.

The retailer, which trades from its “world famous” Piccadilly store in central London, said its star performers were hampers, with sales increasing 20%, as well as wine, which saw a 24% surge in sales.

Fortnum & Mason managing director Beverley Aspinall said: “Despite Christmas sales peaking a week later than last year due to the snow, the overall result has been exceptionally strong and we are delighted to have broken a number of records this year. 

“ We still need to be mindful of the challenges ahead but all the hard work by everyone in the business has contributed to these excellent results.”

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