Hardware retailer Robert Dyas has posted a leap in like-for-like sales in the run-up to Christmas.

Robert Dyas said VAT-inclusive like-for-likes rose 6.3% in the 24 weeks to December 24 and by 7.4% in the four weeks to Christmas. Internet sales surged 46.2% across the four-week period.

In the year to date from March 2011, combined store and internet like-for likes advanced 4.2%.

Chief executive Graham Coles said: “Our core ranges, such as consumable products and cookware were particularly strong. For
our customers it seems to have been a Christmas where value for money and our helpful and practical product ranges have proven attractive.”

“As with many other retailers our internet sales have proven particularly strong, but this should not obscure the substantial advances achieved right across our traditional high street retail stores.”

The performance may prompt renewed interest from Robert Dyas’s backers, Lloyds Banking Group and Allied Irish Bank, in making an exit.

A sale process, run by Cavendish Corporate Finance, began last year but was put on hold until Christmas performance became clear. Cavendish’s Paul Herman said then that the possibility of an exit might be reviewed in spring 2012.