DEPARTMENT store chain Debenhams has reported a four per cent rise in half-year profits.

The retailer, which has 161 UK stores - and will come to Bradford as an anchor tenant in the Broadway retail development - said profits in the six months to February 28 lifted by more than expected to £88.9 million.

A year earlier, Debenhams had to issue a Christmas profits warning due to poor sales and a botched promotional strategy, but the company has overhauled its pricing and online offer and is renting out some under-used space to other retailers.

Chief executive Michael Sharp said he was pleased with the company’s progress after the new promotional strategy helped deliver a strong increase in full price sales.

Revenues in the UK grew by 1.7 per cent to £1.1 billion, helped by the better Christmas performance and the impact of bringing forward a new season promotion into the first half to coincide with pay day at the end of February.

Online sales increased by 12.7 per cent to £271.8 million, accounting for 17 per cent of total sales in the half. The international store estate now amounts to 85 stores, including 68 franchise outlets in 24 countries.