Rent to own electricals and furniture retailer BrightHouse has revealed a strong Christmas trading period and feels confident of sustaining “robust” growth in 2011.
Like-for-likes increased 9.8% in the 13 weeks to December 31.
Sales were up 13.7% to £57.4m on the back of a “surge” in demand for games consoles, mobile phones , laptops and flat screens TVs.
It added that sales in furniture and domestic appliances rose in the period.
It said: “Despite general expectations of a difficult trading environment continuing, the company expects to sustain robust growth in 2011.”
BrightHouse said that the severe weather in December was “not a significant inhibitor of sales” and that “customers were still able to get to their local stores”.
The retailer said it is “on track” to open 30 stores during the current financial year, which will take the total to 228.
BrightHouse chief executive Leo McKee said: “Shoppers have been actively seeking out good value, and are managing their finances prudently. Nevertheless, customers clearly did enter into the festive spirit. Even with some appalling weather in November and December, customers still made Christmas shopping trips.
“Overall, our trading during this festive season has been buoyant. Our year-on-year growth provides a useful platform towards completing a successful trading year.”
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