Retail director Stephen Godfroy says that trading was up 5% in 10 weeks to Jan 1 2011, despite a tough fourth quarter and adverse weather.

"Such a resilient performance is testament to our continually evolving and inspiring destination store appeal," he explains. "Despite an impecunious tide casting many purchase decisions adrift, we look ahead to 2011 with great confidence and ambition."

And he compares the performance of his specialist store to HMV's Christmas trading results, which were also announced today.