Mountain Warehouse posts Christmas sales surge as it benefits from wet weather

Mountain Warehouse said the seven days after Christmas was its busiest week ever. It sold a waterproof jacket every five seconds from Boxing Day as it benefitted from the wet and windy weather gripping the nation. Sales of wellies have more than doubled year-on-year.

In the six week period, total sales grew 15.6% while online turnover rocketed 127%. Mountain Warehouse said it experienced a “big increase” in click and collect and mobile ordering over the period.

The 169-store retailer said it plans 25-30 new shops this year.

Mountain Warehouse was bought by founder and chief executive Mark Neale and his management team in October 2013 in a deal valuing the business at £85m.

Neale said: “Our outstanding Christmas performance caps an excellent 2013 for the business. During the year, we opened 20 new stores and significantly expanded our online operations. Our success, in a difficult retail environment, is testament to the hard work of our staff and the quality and value of the products we offer consumers.”