Supergroup, the young fashion retailer which owns the Superdry brand and Cult chain, scored a record Christmas with like-for-like sales up 29% in the five weeks to January 3.

The figure compares with a 27% like-for-like rise in the same period in 2008.

Total group sales during the year to January 3 rocketed 95% to £119 million, reflecting the retailer’s expansion over the year. Retail sales in December were £20.2m, up from £10.6m a year ago.

Supergroup’s chief executive and founding partner Julian Dunkerton said:  “We are delighted to be announcing such strong like-for-like sales which is particularly encouraging when set against a backdrop of a challenging consumer environment and is testament to the broad appeal of our customer offer.  We have embarked on a period of significant expansion and this is set to continue into 2010.  We look to the future with confidence.”  

The group opened a total of 17 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2008, taking it to a total of 39 stores. It has 54 concessions in House of Fraser. The group has stores in Belgium, France, Scandinavia, the US and Australia.

The group is seeking a chairman for a potential flotation this year which would value the business at a minimum of £400m.