Variety store group Instore has reported flat trading over the Christmas period, after positive sales growth in its second half slowed in December.

The retailer, which bought 33 Ponden Mill stores last month, reported a rise of 0.4 per cent in total sales for the five weeks to December 29, with like-for-likes increasing 1 per cent.

Instore’s total sales for the 18 weeks to December 29 were up 2.4 per cent and like-for-likes increased 2.9 per cent.

The retailer, which operates the Poundstretcher chain, said that residual seasonal stock is lower than last year and it anticipates that clearance markdowns will be lower during January and February.

Instore added in a statement that this will “dampen sales growth” during that time.

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