// Dobbies total sales rose 44%, and 6% on a like-for-like basis over the festive period

// The retailer recorded a double-digit sales growth across key categories

Dobbies has seen sales rise over the key Christmas period thanks to an increase in transaction volume and growth in customer basket size.

During the nine weeks to December 29, the garden centre chain recorded a 44 per cent rise in total sales, compared with the same period the previous year.

On a like-for-like basis, Dobbies saw a six per cent growth in sales.

READ MORE: Dobbies eyes stock market float amid sales & profit growth

Dobbies recorded a double-digit sales growth across many key categories including Christmas decorations, artificial trees, toys and crackers.

“Dobbies’ Christmas trading continued to reflect the positive momentum we have delivered this year,” Dobbies chief executive Graeme Jenkins said.

Chair Andrew Bracey said: “Dobbies’ Christmas performance with sales up 44 per cent and like-for-like growth of six per cent is very encouraging.”

“This important trading period followed the acquisition and successful integration of 31 new garden centres last year, seeing Dobbies double in size. We are delighted with the performance of the team.”

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