DEPARTMENT store Debenhams’ trading update drew a mixed response from analysts.

Liverpool stockbroker Panmure Gordon said that while the first half figures looked “slightly better than we and consensus expected”, it noted that the company expects pre-tax profits will be “in line with market forecasts”.

The chain, which opened its first Liverpool store in May 2008 within the £1bn Liverpool One retail development, revealed that it had maintained sales and profit growth through the cold snap and a “challenging” trading backdrop.

Its update showed that like-for-like sales grew 0.3% in the 26 weeks to February 27 – up from 0.1% after 18 weeks – despite some disruption from the snow.

It said, as a result, pre-tax profits are expected to be higher, but in line with market forecasts.

Although Debenhams grew market share in menswear and childrenswear, womenswear was dented by its shift from concessions to own-bought ranges.

But it has seen a strong early response to the February revival of the Principles brand which traded through 94 stores, as well as Debenhams concessions, and succumbed to recession a year ago.

The focus on own-bought products has temporarily dented sales growth but boosted profit margins.

Chief executive Rob Templeman said: “Against the backdrop of challenging trading conditions we have delivered profit growth on a consistent basis for the past 18 months.”

The group opened four new stores in the six months and, as well as new international franchise stores in Iran and Vietnam, its UK store refurbishment programme recommenced inFebruary with major store refits in Glasgow and Manchester now under way.

Online sales rose more than 80% in the first half.