Jewellery giant Signet’s UK sales edged up 1.8% in the nine weeks to December 31.

Total sales remained flat at the jeweller’s UK arm, up 0.9%. Its Ernest Jones brand recorded a 2.3% uplift in like-for-likes over the period while sister brand H Samuel like-for-likes nudged up 1.4%.

Signet chief executive Mike Barnes said: “Our performance is built on the long term competitive strengths of the business, including the great customer experience which our teams deliver, the strength of our merchandise, our continued investment in advertising to support our store concepts and merchandising initiatives.”

The jeweller’s UK like-for-likes for the 48 weeks to December 31 remained flat, nudging up just 0.8%.