Discount retailer Poundstretcher has reported its “best Christmas ever”, as sales increased 14.75% over the five weeks ended 30 December.

The retailer, which operates 409 stores, said like-for-like sales jumped 10.39% over the festive season, while footfall rose 10% compared with the same period last year.

Poundstretcher said customers were “particularly driven by the big savings the chain offers on groceries”, as food sales rocketed 47.7%.

Sales of seasonal products rose 17% while clothing sales shot up by 25.8%.

“The leading business growth focus for us is to do what we do best: continue to sell big brand food, toiletry and household goods at great prices. We’ve also looked to give customers incredible value on homewares and this breadth of offering is really being welcomed by cash-conscious shoppers who shop around now for life’s essentials,” said Poundstretcher’s managing director Ian York.

The Pet Hut, which shares 83 UK locations with Poundstretcher, reported a 70% increase in sales.