Fashion retailer Crew Clothing Company had its best ever Christmas trading period, with sales up both in-store and online.

The chain, which has stores in Gloucester Quays, Cheltenham and Cirencester, defied tough trading conditions on the high street with a 12 per cent sales increase in the eight weeks to 5th January, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Festive sales were up four per cent in stores and 18 per cent online.

Crew Clothing attributed its success to regular new lines, a new transitional range and a competitive strategy for marking down prices. The company said Christmas sales meant 2019 was one of the best years in its 27 year history.