Value fashion retailer QS has revealed that like-for-like sales climbed 5.4 per cent in the quarter to the end of 2008.

Profit before tax increased by£3.6 million during the quarter and total sales rose 7 per cent to£13.7 million.

The retailer said that its performance in January so far had continued the growth, with the first two weeks in 2009 delivering a 24 per cent like-for-like sales increase.

The news follows the drafting in of new chief executive Anupam Jhunjhunwala by parent company Alok Group.

Jhunjhunwala said: ““We are able to weather these challenging times largely due to our existing customers and new footfall from customers looking for great value, style and quality.

“Our turnaround has been made possible by the support of our parent group in India, the Alok Group, and their continued support will ensure we maintain this momentum.

“We have been able to deliver this because of the excellent partnerships established with our suppliers and it is our intention to continue to build on these relationships and also to introduce new suppliers to our business.”