Republic has been buoyed by a more recession resistant young fashion market to report strong sales growth over Christmas as it guns for a record year.

The young fashion retailer has reported total sales grew 18.8 per cent to£47 million in the 10 weeks to January 4. Like-for-like sales also grew, up 6.8 per cent.

The retailer said that in its year to January 25 it will hit record sales and profits.

Republic chief executive Tim Whitworth said: “We expect the very challenging environment to continue throughout 2009. We are not immune to these challenges, however, we believe our target market and model to be resilient and dynamic in enabling us to continue to exceed our customer’s expectations and grow market share.

"We continue to seek profitable new space opportunities and continue to realise our online ambitions."

The 93-store chain said that it hopes to open 100 new stores in the UK in the next five to six years.

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