Matalan has reported a strong third-quarter and Christmas trading performance for the quarter ended 28 November 2025, with EBITDA rising 38% year-on-year (YoY) to £27m ($35.35m).

The British clothing and homewares retailer said the improvement was supported by like-for-like (LFL) sales growth of 2% during the quarter.

The result followed a strong first half, with EBITDA up 53% to £61m for the financial year to date.

Online trading was a key contributor, with LFL digital sales rising 11% in Q3.

Black Friday marked the retailer’s strongest online sales day outside the Covid period.

Matalan executive chair Karl-Heinz Holland said: “Our business transformation continues to deliver tangible results, with another strong quarter of EBITDA performance, alongside a return to sales growth. This reflects our relentless focus on delivering better quality, style and value, underpinned by sustained investment in product, stores and digital.”

Matalan linked the performance to sustained investment in digital capabilities, including a new native app scheduled to launch later this year and a refreshed loyalty scheme.

Store sales remained stable, with refurbished locations delivering sales 12% ahead of the wider estate.

The retailer said it intends to refurbish a further 40 stores in the next financial year.

Over the nine-week Christmas trading period ending 2 January 2026, LFL sales increased by 1%.

Womenswear and menswear both recorded positive performances, with women’s outerwear and men’s formalwear and sportswear highlighted as key categories.

Matalan said it gained market share in both womenswear and menswear during the period, reflecting improvements to its product range and brand perception.

The retailer added that it outperformed the wider market from October to December, achieving year-on-year sales growth ahead of peers.

The company also confirmed that Henrik Nordvall will assume the role of CEO on 2 February 2026.

Last October, Matalan named former H&M executive Nordvall as its CEO.