The Fragrance Shop has reported an uptick in festive like-for-like sales, which it has put down to high demand for luxury scents and gift sets.

The perfume specialist said like-for-likes climbed 5.6% in the six weeks to December 31.

It said this was buoyed by a 30% online sales surge during the period.

Total sales climbed 14.6%.

The retailer said celebrity-endorsed designer perfumes were among the season’s bestsellers and pinpointed December 23 as its busiest trading day.

The Fragrance Shop boss Sanjay Vadera said the retailer’s combination of affordable designer scents and personalised advice underpinned its performance.

Outlook

Looking ahead, he said: “There is no sign of luxury fragrances falling out of consumer favour as a great festive gift.”

The business intends to open 20 new stores in 2018 as a continuation of its expansion plans.