Value chain B&M Bargains has revealed UK like-for-like sales increased 4.5% in the 13 weeks to December 27.

Value chain B&M Bargains has revealed UK like-for-likes up 4.5 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 27.

In the year to date, the 39 weeks to December 27, like-for-likes rose 4.7% 

Group revenue climbed 28.8% to £527.9m in the 13-week period, including sales from its German business Jawoll, which it acquired last April

UK sales rose 20.5% to £493.8m.

The retailer opened 24 stores in the quarter, taking its portfolio to 417.

It expects to open at least 50 stores in the UK this financial year and said it has “a strong pipeline of at least 45 new stores across the UK for the following financial year”.

B&M Bargains chief executive Simon Arora said: “The group’s third-quarter trading performance has been pleasing despite the competitive market.

“Our Christmas Decoration and Gifting ranges enjoyed a good rate of sell-through and we believe we are becoming a destination store for these important seasonal categories.

“The 44 new stores opened by the end of the third quarter have also traded well over their first Christmas season. We expect to meet market expectations of revenue and profit growth in our maiden year as a quoted company.”

B&M Bargains said: “Whilst market conditions are competitive, particularly in FMCG products, the group remains confident its unique sourcing strategy and store expansion opportunities will allow it to increase market share in both the UK and Germany.”