Department store Debenhams said that its group like-for-like sales in the 18 weeks to January 7 rose by 1.4% as the warmer weather seen in October and November impacted the sale of seasonal product lines.

In a trading update, it said, however, that sales in the key December month were stronger with sales growth of 6.5% reported.

The company said it was pleased with the ''good performance'' given the difficult trading conditions. It added that uncertainty in the wider economy continues to have an adverse impact on consumer confidence.

The group has 170 stores in the UK, Ireland and Denmark.