Fashion retailer Ted Baker has described its trading over the Christmas period as \"excellent\" after reporting a rise in sales. Sales in the eight weeks to 7 January were up 15.7% from a year ago, helped by a 7.3% rise in new retail space. Ted Baker said it expected profits for the financial year to be in line with expectations. The retailer plans to open a store in New York this year, as well as outlets in Tokyo and Beijing. Founder and chief executive Raymond Kelvin received a CBE in the New Year Honours. \"In a challenging trading environment, this performance is a testament to the strength of the Ted Baker brand, our collections and people,\" he said