Clothing accounts for 60% of Debenhams sales

Like-for-like sales in the past six months fell 4.5%, compared with the same period of the previous year.

"Debenhams is currently feeling the pinch from the likes of a resurgent M&S and John Lewis," said Richard Hunter from Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers.

The department store chain warned in December that clothing sales were being hit by mild weather.

New collections

We have been encouraged by the consumer reaction to our new collections Rob Templeman, Chief executive, Debenhams Check Debenhams share price

Debenhams shares listed on the stock market in May 2006 after two-and-a-half years of being owned by private equity.

Debenhams chief executive Rob Templeman said: "We continue to expect the retail environment to remain challenging and to this end we will focus on managing our stocks, costs and cash margins."

Clothing accounts for 60% of Debenhams sales and Mr Templeman was upbeat about his new collections.

"Although it is far too early to draw conclusions on the performance of our spring/summer ranges, we have been encouraged by the consumer reaction to our new collections," he said.

Despite the falling sales, Debenhams shares rose 1.25% in early trading.