Selfridges has reported a record-breaking Christmas sales performance, helped by a programme of in-store events.

The department store business said sales rose 8% across stores and online in the 24 days to Christmas. Revenues were up by the same percentage in the final week.

At Selfridges’ flagship Oxford Street store, revenues climbed 10% over the 24 days.

The retailer said that newness, exclusive product and in-store entertainment were all key to performance.

Selfridges managing director Anne Pitcher said: ”We are delighted to have delivered such a strong performance over the Christmas period. Our Selfridges Rocks Christmas theme and entertainment really resonated with our customers, both across our stores and online.

“Our customers come to us for the unexpected and I feel this year we delivered just that.”

While many department store groups, such as House of Fraser which collapsed into administration last year and Debenhams, have suffered from tough trading, Selfridges has outperformed peers.

Over Christmas, as well as hosting the traditional appearance of Santa, Selfridges staged a Christmas cabaret, had confetti cannons every day and had pop-up choirs.

Over the past year Selfridges has opened “the largest accessories hall in the world” at its Oxford Street branch and doubled the size of its Manchester beauty hall.