Perfumes and aftershave proved a popular gift this Christmas, according to figures from retail chain The Perfume Shop.

The 84-strong chain, which is owned by Merchant Retail Group, saw like-for-like sales rise 13 per cent in the seven weeks to January 4.

Chief executive Philip Newton said: "There were two notable things - one that customers were looking for value and, secondly, there was not one fragrance that stood out."

However, he said a number of newly-launched products had done well, such as Glow by Jennifer Lopez.

But, along with other retailers, he pointed to tougher times ahead on the High Street.