Jewellery group Aurum has reported an “outstanding” Christmas, helped by improved availability and ranging.

Aurum, which owns chains including Goldmiths and Mappin & Webb, posted a like-for-like advance of 14.5% in the five weeks to January 9. Over the 49 weeks to the same date the rise was 16%.

Goldsmiths, up 19%, was the best performing business. Watches of Switzerland, which was more affected by the snow because of its locations such as airports, was up 1%.

Aurum expects to report a “substantial increase” in EBITDA in the year ending on January 30.

Chief executive Justin Stead said: “Our Christmas success, despite difficult trading conditions due to the snow, is proof that our strategy to improve both product availability and ranges across our watch and jewellery offer is working well to product such pleasing results.”