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Jan 13 (Reuters) - Ted Baker Plc reported a strongChristmas trading period as sales of its quirky designerclothing helped it to overcome an unusually mild winter that hasweighed on other British fashion brands.
The company's shares rose more than 7 percent on Wednesdaymorning to rank among the top gainers on the FTSE-250 midcapindex.
Some of Britain's hottest November and December temperatureson record hit demand for winter clothing. As customers refrainedfrom buying warm clothes, retailers such as Next Plc andMarks and Spencer Group have reported disappointingsales.
Analysts said Ted Baker's focus on design helped it to standout from its rivals.
"You wouldn't go past a Next and say 'Wow, that'sfantastic', but you would go past a Ted Baker and say 'That isreally exciting.' And that's a big part of their appeal,"Liberum analyst Tom Gadsby said.
Ted Baker reported a 10.1 percent increase in retail salesin the eight weeks to Jan. 9.
The company said its gross margins were in line withexpectations and that it had "no significant promotionalactivity" before Christmas.
It also said its results for the full year would be in linewith its expectations. (Reporting By Mamidipudi Soumithri and Aastha Agnihotri inBengaluru; Editing by Anupama Dwivedi and Robin Paxton)
