RECORD SALES FOR HOUSING UNITS AS CHRISTMAS SIMPLY KEEPS GOING.

Sales in Housing Units’ Christmas department reached record levels in the first half of December, with sales of seasonal goods reaching record levels, and the new Furniture Outlet running beyond expectations.

Nearly 10,000 Christmas item transactions were recorded in the first week of December alone – 15% up on the highest previous in 2008 – and the momentum is continuing. Meanwhile, the new no-frills Furniture Outlet has outstripped sales forecasts every week since its launch in November.

“Sales of Christmas-themed goods have been strong since the day we opened the department back in September, with sales in October nearly 20% up on the same period in 2008,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.

“Since then, sales have been barrelling along and showing little sign of slowing. We’ve had to re-stock a number of lines that have proven pleasantly and unexpectedly popular.

“The new Furniture Outlet took off almost immediately; the goods available have clearly proven to be a good balance between traditional high-quality Housing Units style and a competitive price.”

The Failsworth, Manchester, store launched its Christmas decorations, trees and toys department on September 10.

“These sales figures are a clear sign that it was the right move for both Housing Units and our customers.

“The big movers have been nostalgia-based items, with traditional toys and games generating a great reaction, especially from young children - skipping ropes, labyrinth games, marionettes, knitting dolly kits, chalk boards, musical nutcracker soldiers, paint your own piggy banks and paint your own decorations being in great demand.”