A surge in consumer demand for flat-screen TVs, games consoles, mobile phones and laptops helped rent-to-own retailer BrightHouse achieve a 13.7 per cent jump in revenue to £57.4 million in the 13 weeks to December 31.


Increased sales of domestic appliances were also reported as the store group saw like-for-like business grow 9.8 per cent during the period.


BrightHouse said the extreme December weather was “not a significant inhibitor” of sales as its customers were still able to get to their local stores.


“Shoppers have been actively seeking out good value, and are managing their finances prudently,” said BrightHouse chief executive Leo McKee.


“Nevertheless, customers clearly did enter into the festive spirit. Even with some appalling weather in November and December, customers still made Christmas shopping trips.


“Overall, our trading during this festive season has been buoyant. Our year-on-year growth provides a useful platform towards completing a successful trading year.”


The company said that despite general expectations of a difficult trading environment, it was confident of sustaining robust growth in the year ahead.