House of Fraser is bucking the sales downturn at out-of-town centres, recording like-for-like rises at its stores in regional malls despite claims that consumers are cutting back on visits.

Sources close to the retailer said like-for-likes at Lakeside were up by a double-digit percentage, aided by a refurbishment, but that its Bluewater and Metro Centre stores were also showing positive like-for-likes.

Both John Lewis and Marks & Spencer – which anchor Bluewater alongside HoF – have flagged concerns that shoppers are becoming reluctant to drive to out-of-town centres because of the rising cost of fuel. Last week, John Lewis revealed that sales at its Bluewater store were down 24.6 per cent on the same week last year.

The House of Fraser source said trading across the Baugur-backed business was flat generally, with refurbished stores performing strongly. The performance compares favourably with other department store chains, where homewares have struggled in light of the weak housing market.

HoF has been focusing on becoming a destination for fashion brands and will anchor Westfield London’s luxury area when it opens in autumn.

Meanwhile, Baugur reported underlying sales since January up 3.9 per cent across its investments, which include Mosaic and Hamleys. The investor, which is set to relocate to the UK, said profitability was up 25 per cent.

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