House of Fraser has posted a robust performance for the festive period and revealed details of its first new store for more than two years, to open in Belfast.

The Baugur-owned department store chain delivered a like-for-like sales rise of 2.4 per cent for the five weeks to January 3 and an increase in gross profit on last year. House of Fraser said its debt position is£110 million better than its original financing plan and that it has cash deposits of£113 million –£35 million more than last year.

The 200,000 sq ft, five-floor Belfast store – which was designed by London-based consultancy Kinnersley Kent – will anchor the Victoria Square scheme.