Littlewoods Shop Direct posts strong Christmas trading

Multi-channel retailer Littlewoods Shop Direct has posted a sales uplift of 7% for the six weeks to January 4, buoyed by strong internet sales.

Online sales were up 44% against the same period the year before, with clothing and footwear performing particularly well.

The group added that stock levels were 10% below that of 2006, while gross margins were maintained.

Chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said of the performance: "We are two years into our five year turnaround, but we recognise there is still much to do."

Littlewoods Direct is a brand under Littlewoods Shop Direct and turnover sales of £2 billion annually.