LONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Debenhams, Britain's No.2department store chain, posted a 5 percent rise in like-for-likesales in the seven-week Christmas period, buoyed by a plan tosell more beauty and gift products rather than clothing.
Debenhams said on Thursday that in the seven weeks to Jan.7, its sales at stores open for more than a year grew by 5percent. That compared to a 3.5 percent rise in like-for-likesales over the longer 18 week period to Jan. 7.
"The resilience of Debenhams' differentiated offer isbeginning to show through, with the growth we have driven inbeauty and gifting," said Debenhams CEO Sergio Bucher.
Moving away from clothes has become a key part ofDebenhams's strategy as Britons spend less on clothing.
Clothes retailer Next reported disappointingChristmas sales and downgraded its profit forecast earlier inJanuary. (Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Costas Pitas)
