The FT reported last week that discount retailer B&M reported a jump in sales of over 12% in the fourth quarter lead up to Christmas. The FTSE 100 company, which trades from more than 700 stores in the UK had a strong end to the year.

The strong sales quarter comes after a tricky period for the company, which had to navigate a moderation in consumer demand following a boom during the coronavirus pandemic.

B&M’s figures reinforce recent data showing that many Britons chose to shop cost effectively at outlets over the festive period, as rising costs and a strong dollar pushed up selling prices of everything from food to homewares.