• Retail sales rise 22.8%
  • Margins held
  • Brand awareness growing

Fashion retailer Joules recorded a rise in total retail sales of 22.8% over Christmas as stores and online performed well.

The retailer, which floated on AIM last year, said the retail gross margin rate over the seven weeks to January 8 is likely “marginally ahead” of the previous year.

Joules chief executive Colin Porter said: “This strong outcome over the important Christmas trading period reflects the growing awareness and strength of the Joules brand.

“The success of our disciplined, multichannel sales strategy across this important trading period is made possible by the dedication and commitment of our team.”

Joules, which has 107 shops in the UK and Ireland, will publish interim results at the end of this month.