Debenhams share price edges up after reporting better than expected results
Struggling department store Debenhams has had a better-than-expected quarter, but with the share price up just a notch it seems investors are still unsure.
The figures
Debenhams' like-for-likes were flat for the 15 weeks to 13th June, and up 0.9 per cent for the 41 weeks – ahead of analyst expectations of a decline of one to two per cent.
Gross transactional value was up marginally, rising 0.4 per cent for the quarter and 1.7 per cent for the three quarter period.
Debenhams' online sales were strong, up 16.7 per cent and 13.9 per cent respectively.
As a result management said it was on track to meet expectations for full year profits.
Why it's interesting
Debenhams has fallen out of favour with both brands and customers, both of whom have come to view the retailer as being constantly on sale. The estate had been unloved for many years and the business was underperforming.
But chief executive Michael Sharp has refused to go down without a fight, pledging to reduce the number of sales, investing in the estate and attempting to win back brands that were not keen to enter the discounting merry-go-round.
The City was sceptical as to whether he had done enough to turn around the juggernaut. It will take a while to shake off those doubts, but this is a decent enough start.
Debenham's share price was up one per cent at pixel time.
What they said:
Sharp said: "We have made good progress on our strategic priorities, and remain on track to deliver results in line with market expectations.
"During this period we have continued to focus our promotional activity around the events Debenhams is famous for; we have made further improvements to our multi-channel proposition, including more competitive delivery charges; we have commenced further space trials with a number of exciting new partnerships; and have seen continued progress in our international operations, with another strong performance from Magasin.
"Our customers tell us that, whilst they recognise the improving economic background, they remain cautious in their spending. Our wide product choice, clear destination departments and improving service proposition gives us a strong platform from which to deliver long term sustainable growth."
In short
Sharp has bought some time, but there is still a lot of sceptism out there.
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