The White Company sales leap over Christmas

The retailer's EBITDA rocketed 35 per cent to£6m in the year to March 29, 2008.

In the full year period, sales also grew 14 per cent to£69.9m, while online sales climbed 32 per cent, and now account for more than half of its direct arm’s sales.

The White Company said it is “cautious of the rapidly changing economic outlook” but believes it has a “strong offer and is well positioned as a true multichannel business to trade through these tougher trading conditions”.

Managing director Patricia Alford-Burnett said: “It is clear that we are now facing the most challenging retail environment for many years, and the next few months will be testing for all retailers.

“We have a financially robust business model which, together with tightly controlled costs and strong operational disciplines, gives us the confidence to look at the challenging times ahead with optimism and renewed creativity, supporting the long-term growth prospects of The White Company.”

The retailer said growth was “particularly strong” in The Little White Company, Clothing and Fragrance categories, and it continued improvements in operating margin.

It opened six new outlets opened since April 2008, taking its total to 24. It also trades from mail order catalogues and its website.