Black clouds may be following the retail sector this year but there are rays of sunshine - and one of Gloucester Quay's fashion brands has provided just that.

Fat Face has been at Gloucester Quays since the end of 2015, moving into what was two units in the outlet centre's East Mall.

It was a move that makes it one of the centre's longest-serving tenants, and that success is also reflected in news it has achieved a total rise in sales of 7.4 per cent - despite what is described as 'tough high street trading'.

The increase is for the year to June 2 with the rise representing 4.9 per cent of growth across the chain, with revenue totalling £238.4 million.

Like many other retailers it was a case of sales on-line bolstering the overall picture. They rose 20 per cent for the business - up 11.8 per cent year-on-year.

According to the fashion brand its womenswear sales have been driving the growth, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization up 5.6 per cent to £30.2 million.

Anthony Thompson, chief executive of Fat Face, called the results a sign of "positive momentum" within the business.

But he warned "the current retail environment remains difficult and there appears to be no prospect of conditions improving in the short term".

Fat Face started life in 1988 selling T-shirts and sweatshirts in the Alps.

Read more: Major Gloucester Quays retailer to relocate