Debenhams To Sell Costa Coffee And Sports Direct

Debenhams (Other OTC: DBHSY - news) is to trial Costa Coffee and Sports Direct (Frankfurt: A0MK5S - news) concessions in its department stores.

The company made the announcement as it released its third quarter sales figures.

It said like-for-like sales in stores opened more than a year were up 0.7% in the 14 weeks to June 7.

The company said it would also refocus strategy on selling higher-priced items to help boost revenue.

It also said that its annual summer sale would be shortened, with it commencing two weeks later than usual.

Debenhams has seen a tough 12 months of trading.

It issued its second profit warning in less than a year last December.

It also lost its finance chief after an existing strategy of promotions failed to boost its crucial Christmas sales.

In April the 200-year-old firm reported first half profit down by a quarter.

Chief executive Michael Sharp said he planned to reduce promotions and boost online presence, including an improvement to delivery options.