Upmarket department store David Jones picked up an extra 2.1 per cent in sales to $424.2 million during the September quarter.

However like for like sales numbers – which exclude changes in the business – were flat, down 0.3 per cent to $414.2 million.

The refurbishment of the Canberra Centre store had disrupted the business, the company said in a statement.

Paul Zahra, outgoing CEO of David Jones, said the business was well prepared to capitalise on the important Christmas and clearance trading periods through new merchandise partnerships with iconic UK brands Harrods and Liberty.

“Whilst it is still early days and we have to trade through the important second quarter, it is pleasing to see the company return to positive sales growth this quarter,” he said.

The company’s new webstore, which turns one year old next week, had increased 10-fold during the quarter and made a positive profit contribution for the year.

NSW and Victoria had been the strongest performing areas, with ACT the weakest.

AAP