Debenhams on track as sales rise The retailer, which has 167 stores in the UK, Ireland and Denmark as well as franchise stores around the world, said in a trading update that like-for-like sales - those at stores open for a year or more - rose 3.7pc in the 10 weeks to September 1, excluding VAT. That compares with a rise of 3.1pc in the 16 weeks to June 23 and took the increase for the year to 1.6pc - ahead of analysts' consensus expectations of a 0.6pc rise. Debenhams said full-year pre-tax profit is expected to be ahead of last year and in line with expectations of around £156m, up from £152m. Michael Sharp, the chief executive, said: "We do not anticipate a significant change in the economic environment in the near future but we expect to continue to make progress in 2013." Debenhams' broad range of products has helped it during the current slowdown on the High Street. The company said its modernised stores were performing well and that it had gained market share in womenswear. Online sales rose 40pc and the international businesses showed "good growth." Shares in Debenhams, which have risen around 67pc over the past year, slipped in early trading.