Despite a challenging environment for traders on the high street, two of the UK and Ireland’s leading department stores enjoyed a successful Christmas period.

 

Marks & Spencer was able to report a slight increase in its UK sales during the period thanks to a relatively strong performance from its food sector that managed to offset disappointing sales in other areas of the firm. Meanwhile, Debenhams reported flat like-for-like sales compared to the equivalent period one year ago – something that it was relatively pleased with given the difficult environment. However, if you’re on the lookout for bargains in the New Year, will the department stores oblige?

 

Debenhams sales

Debenhams has certainly started the year with a bang for anyone looking for voucher codes or Debenhams offers and sales. The Debenhams Ireland website is currently holding its biggest sale ever with as much as 70 per cent off until January 26; including up to a 60 per cent discount on kids’ trousers and shorts – an offer that expires on January 19.

Its deals do not end there, however. One look at the Debenhams voucher code section of 5hop5.ie will put you on track to a host of great offers, including: up to 70 per cent off in the Blue Cross sale until January 22; up to 30 per cent off bras until January 21; and an extra 10 per cent off men’s runners until January 19. You can also get 70 per cent off coats and jackets until January 21; and €15 off J by Jasper Conran merino jumpers in selected lines.

Meanwhile, if you were one of the consumers that helped to boost the Marks & Spencer food sales over the Christmas period, then you may be interested in picking up some high quality food and gift items at significantly discounted prices in the New Year too. Currently there are some great offers available at the food and drink voucher code section of 5hop5.ie – such as: eight per cent off on all orders at the Chocolate Trading Company; a five per cent discount on all items at the Virginia Hayward website; and a £5 discount on any order value at Vintage Wine Gifts.

Promising outlook

According to the British Retail Consortium, overall Christmas retail sales shot up by 2.2 per cent in the UK primarily due to a frantic final week ahead of the festivities. Now Marks & Spencer has predicted it will hit its profit targets for the year ahead even though trading conditions are likely to remain challenging; while Debenhams is hoping to build on the momentum of record sales in the week before Christmas.