Retailers have offered some Christmas cheer – but the real tests are to come

CEOs will now have a chance to earn their money, writes James Moore

JD Sports is one of three big retailers to have enjoyed a bumper Christmas (PA)

After a long cold snap, planet retail does seem to have enjoyed some sunshine over Christmas. At least parts of it.

Next got the ball rolling, reporting balmy sales, and upgrading its profit forecast. But Next regularly outperforms – because it’s a very well-run operation.

However, a shopping basket full of festive trading updates, including missives from Sainsbury’s, JD Sports Fashion, and furniture seller Dunelm, showed it was far from alone.