Rent-to-own retailer BrightHouse, which has more than a dozen stores across Greater Manchester, says the wintry weather did not hamper its seasonal sales.

The Watford-based chain says computer games consoles and consumer electricals were big sellers in the 13 weeks to December 31, with revenues up 13.7 per cent to £57.4m, from £50.5m during the same period in 2009.

BrightHouse has 223 stores with 2,600 staff and operates a national repair centre in Heywood and a distribution hub in Trafford Park.

BrightHouse is on track to open 30 new stores nationwide during the current financial year, taking the total to 228.

It reported a surge in demand for games consoles, mobile phones, laptops and flat screen TVs, with furniture and domestic appliances also seeing improved demand.

BrightHouse said extreme weather in December did not hold back sales as customers were still able to get to their local stores and the company expected to sustain robust growth in 2011.

Leo McKee, BrightHouse chief executive, said: “Shoppers have been actively seeking out good value, and are managing their finances prudently.

“Nevertheless, customers clearly did enter into the festive spirit. Even with some appalling weather in November and December, customers still made Christmas shopping trips.

Overall, our trading during this festive season has been buoyant. Our year-on-year growth provides a useful platform towards completing a successful trading year.”

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