Debenhams weathers 'difficult' economic conditions as profit beats expectations "However, we are mindful of the impact the wider economy may have on consumer behaviour in the second half of the year as well as the uncertain effects of the major one-off events taking place in the UK during the summer," he said on Thursday. Sales at stores open more than a year rose 0.3pc, excluding VAT, in the 26 weeks to March 3, confounding analysts who had expected a slight fall. The group, which sells clothes, cosmetics and homeware, reduced its net debt by £71.9m pounds during the period to £311.8m pounds, and said it would spend £20m pounds over next 6 months as part of a long-term share buyback programme. It maintained its interim dividend at 1p a share. The shares rose by 2pc to 82.25p on Thursday morning.