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According to Bloomberg, the market was up 0.51 per cent - or 20.54 points - to 4,051.20 at 15:01 BST, spurred by the strong financial performance announced by Debenhams.
Clothing retailer Next recorded a 7.04 per cent rise to 1,536p per share, while department store chain Marks & Spencer added 4.18 per cent to 343p.
However, mineral resources group Lonmin saw the biggest gain, climbing by 117p to 1,356p.
At the other end of the stock market, investment management company Schroders saw the largest share price decrease, shedding over five per cent to 771.5p.
Earlier this week, retailer Tesco, along with Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF), posted strong financial results, with ABF beating analyst expectations with its half-year figures.
