Debenhams Announces Soaring Swimsuit Sales During Cold Winter

LONDON, December 23, 2010 - Debenhams has released figures which reveal that freezing Brits have sent
sales of skimpy swimsuits soaring - during the coldest winter for over 30
years.

As the country endures temperatures of up to -27C, department store
Debenhams has seen swimsuit sales increase by 20%.

Bosses were left scratching their heads at the unanticipated sales
figures at a time when most people are desperately wrapping up to keep warm.

And with major problems at airports, it's not as if many people are even
getting away.

Carie Barkhuizen, spokesperson for Debenhams, said: "With temperatures
feeling colder than Antarctica the last thing you would think people would be
buying was swimwear.

"The figures are even more remarkable when you consider the huge increase
we saw at this time last year when the weather was also bad. It seems that
increasingly bad weather has had a positive effect on swim sales - with
almost a lift of nearly 150% since Christmas 2008, you could say sales are
going swimmingly.

"We've also created our very own 'Snow Patrol', a crack team of cold
weather merchandisers who are moving more stocks of warmer 15 tog duvets
(www.debenhams.com/home-furniture/bedding), dressing gowns, winter
woollies and swimsuits (www.debenhams.com/women/swimwear-beachwear) to
stores across the country to cope with the cold weather snap."

Debenhams has been selling swimwear since the 1960s and now boasts ranges
from ever popular designers Jasper Conran, Matthew Williamson, Melissa
Odabash, and FrostFrench as well as own brands Red Herring, Beach Collection
and Maine.

About Debenhams:

Debenhams is a leading department stores group, and has a strong presence
in key product categories including children's wear, women's fashion, with
day dresses, shoes, bikinis
(www.debenhams.com/women/swimwear-beachwear), jeans, men's clothing,
home ware, make-up, health and beauty, accessories, perfume and lingerie with
dd+ bras and matching bra and underwear sets.

    PR Contact:

    Carie Barkhuizen
    Debenhams PR Manager
    33 Wigmore Street
    London
    W1U 1QX
    +44(0)20-7408-3298
    www.debenhams.com

PR Contact: Carie Barkhuizen, Debenhams PR Manager, 33 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 1QX, +44(0)20-7408-3298