DEPARTMENT store group Debenhams is continuing to grab market share from its rivals after seeing sales surge this year.

Total sales in the 21 weeks to July 21 were 15 per cent stronger than the same period last year with like-for-like growth up 8.7 per cent, the group reported.

Both clothing and homeware performed well, while Debenhams said its gross margin remained "broadly flat".

The figures come three months after the 96-store high street chain reported a nine per cent rise in interim profits.

They are in stark contrast to Marks and Spencer, which has seen profits tumble as womenswear sales continue to fall.

Debenhams chief executive Belinda Earl said she was delighted by the current sales performance.

She said: "We are continuing to build market share by developing our brand and attracting new customers."

The group plans to open eight stores over the next three years, beginning in Leith, Edinburgh, in the autumn.

A store at the Gateshead MetroCentre is due to open in the spring of 2003. Last year, the group opened a store, in The Bridges shopping centre, in Sunderland.

Debenhams said it would be opening a store, in Doncaster, in four years' time, creating 250 jobs. It also plans to open a franchise store in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Stores in Saudi Arabia and Iceland are planned for later this year.

Debenhams reports its full-year figures on October 23. City analysts forecast pre-tax profits of £143m, up from £129.6m last year.