Online retailer Very Group, which operates the Very and Littlewoods online retail businesses, has reported a reduction in home sales during its Christmas and Black Friday trading period.

According to its latest update for the seven weeks to 22 December 2023, total Very UK sales rose 3.4% against the same period last year.

Despite an uptick in most categories, its home division experienced a decline of 2.9%.

As for total group sales, which includes Littlewoods and Very Ireland, retail sales grew 2.1% year-on-year.

Lionel Desclée, Group CEO at The Very Group, said: “Our team delivered a brilliant range of products, strong pricing, an engaging new marketing campaign, and an improved online experience to give families everything they needed this Christmas.

“As expected in the current economic climate, consumers were on the lookout for amazing deals. We served these to existing customers and plenty of new customers during our Black Friday campaign with games consoles, wireless earbuds and perfume among our best sellers.

“Whilst we are pleased with these results, we also know that the year ahead will be challenging for all retailers. However, our operating model, which combines multi-category digital retail and flexible ways to pay, will remain resilient and continue to provide families with a one-stop-shop for everything they need.”