Sparkling results online boost jewellery shop profits

Luxury jeweller Aurum Holdings yesterday posted strong Christmas trading figures despite the severe winter weather as internet sales at the group soared.

The company, whose brands include high street chains Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths, said like-for-like sales during the five weeks to 9 January were up by 14.5 per cent while sales for the 49 weeks leading up to that date rose by 16 per cent.

The results were boosted by a particularly strong performance from online sales, with these soaring by 53 per cent after the group launched new websites for both Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths, with enhanced product ranges.

Its new click and collect service, which enables people to buy products online and then pick them up in store, was also popular.

Justin Stead, chief executive of Aurum, said: "Together with our growing online offer, I am confident we will continue to see significant sales and profit growth in the coming years."