Fashion retailer Fat Face has hired banks Citi and Jeffries to work on its prospective float which could take place within months.

It is understood that Canaccord Genuity is also expected to be hired, according to Sky News.

Fat Face, which is chaired by former M&S boss Sir Stuart Rose, emerged as one of the winners this Christmas.

Like-for-like sales increased 5% in the five weeks to January 4 and total sales grew 15% to £98.9m.

Fat Face, which has been owned by private equity firm Bridgepoint since 2007, is one of many retailers exploring IPOs this year. House of Fraser, Ao.com, Pets at Home and Poundland are amongst those eyeing public listings.