Mobile phone retailer Phones 4u saw a year-on-year total sales increase of 23.3 per cent in December 2012, according to a trading update published today.
Like-for-like (LFL) sales for December were up 15.8 per cent as the retailer recorded total sales of £121.6 million.
Figures for the full year show that total sales rose by 20.7 per cent, with an 11.9 per cent increase in LFLs.
Continuing the pattern of strong multichannel growth across the retail sector, Phones 4u‘s online sales were up 47.3 per cent year-on-year in December and 73.2 per cent for the year as a whole.
Commenting on the results, Tim Whiting, Phones 4u‘s Group CEO, said: “Phones 4u is focused on giving customers excellent choice and value, and we continue to trade well in challenging market conditions.
“Our impressive Christmas numbers are reflective of consistently strong performance throughout 2012 as we continue to grow market share, especially amongst customers looking for the latest high-end smartphones purchased on contracts.”
Contract volumes increased at a rate of 34.8 per cent year-on-year last month and 26.8 per cent for the full year, helping boost total sales growth while Phones 4u has also benefited from a partnership with network provider Everything Everywhere (EE) in 2013, enabling the retailer to take advantage of the demand for new 4G smartphones.
EE launched its 4G network across 11 UK cities at the end of October 2012, the UK‘s first mobile 4G network.
At the end of 2012, Phones 4u had 681 stores across the UK, employing around 6,000 people.
Praising these employees, Whiting said: “It is the knowledge and experience of our 6,000 staff and their commitment to give outstanding service that has delivered these results.
“At a time of continued economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we give our customers clear advice on the next generation of smartphones and technology.”
