RETAIL group GUS said that it expected full-year results to be at the top end of market expectations as it revealed sales at catalogue chain Argos had exceeded £3bn for the first time.

The Manchester company said like-for-like sales at Argos had grown seven per cent in the six months to March 31. The 523-store chain saw a 14 per cent increase in sales during the second half, with particularly strong sales in January.

GUS said sales were notably strong for consumer electronics, mobile phones and bedding.