Rent-to-own electricals and furniture retailer BrightHouse has reported a strong Christmas with like-for-like sales up 9% in the 13 weeks to December 24.

Total sales for the period soared 21% to £50.5m. 

BrightHouse chief executive Leo McKee said: “Both customer footfall and trading in the run up to Christmas has been strong and we have delivered improved revenue and customer numbers. Consumer electricals have been popular and we have also seen significant demand for furniture and domestic appliances.”

He added: “Current overall performance is in line with management expectations. Looking forward to 2010, the company is well placed for further growth, and our new store opening programme remains on track.”

BrightHouse currently has 190 stores in the UK and said it would hit its target of 20 new stores for its current financial year to the end of March.