Shares in Ted Baker were down on the FTSE All Share in afternoon trading after the clothing retailer reported a rise in sales in the period running from 14 November 2010 to 8 January 2011.

Retail sales in the period increased 7.6 per cent from the same period last year.

The company said that trading in the United Kingdom during the period had "started well" but was then impacted by the heavy snow in the run up to Christmas. Following the post-Christmas thaw sales had strengthened leading the company to predict "a clean stock position" at the end of the season.

In its overseas markets Ted Baker said it saw "strong trading momentum", especially in its new stores in Chicago and New York.

Ted Baker said it expected pre-tax profit for the year ending 29 January 2011 to be in line with expectations.

Ray Kelvin, founder and Chief Executive of Ted Baker, said, "Despite the impact of the adverse weather conditions in the run up to Christmas, the Group has delivered a pleasing performance, reflecting the quality of our collections, the commitment and passion of the Ted Baker team, the strength of the Ted Baker brand and the resilience of our business.

"Whilst the macro economic outlook for 2011 remains uncertain, I believe we are well placed to deal with the challenges ahead. We continue to expand the brand globally, with new store openings planned in 2011 in Manchester, Paris and Hong Kong."

By 15:30 shares in Ted Baker were down 1.27 per cent on the FTSE All Share to 659.50 pence per share.

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