• Fortnum & Mason like-for-likes rise 15% over Christmas period
  • Online sales surge 38% during the five weeks to January 3
  • Retailer and brand enjoyed best day in its history on December 15

Fortnum & Mason has hailed an “impressive” Christmas performance after like-for-likes jumped and it enjoyed the best day in its history.

The luxury retailer and brand said like-for-likes increased 15% during the five weeks to January 3. Revenues were driven by surging online sales, which posted a 38% uplift year on year.

Fortnum & Mason said the redesign of its website helped drive traffic to its ecommerce platform and helped sales of its famous hampers soar 26% during the period.

The retailer said it enjoyed the best trading day in its history on Tuesday December 15 as products were shipped to a record number of countries around the globe in the build-up to Christmas.

“At a challenging time for all retailers, we have shown that a quality offering, both online and in store, is still highly attractive to customers around the world.”

Ewan Venters, Fortnum & Mason

During the five-week period, Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly flagship recorded the highest sales figures, but its store at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 reported a 63% increase in sales compared to a year ago.

Fortnum & Mason chief executive Ewan Venters, who unveiled record full-year sales and profits for the business in November, said: “This has been a very significant year for the company and our excellent Christmas results are a reflection on the work the team here has done throughout the year making our brand more relevant and contemporary.

“I am particularly pleased with the rise in online sales, which is the reward for our investment in the new website.

“At a challenging time for all retailers, we have shown that a quality offering, both online and in store, is still highly attractive to customers around the world.”