Laura Ashley reports 36% slump in sales

Laura Ashley yesterday said a slump in fashion sales sent it further into the red as its core customers failed to warm to new ranges.

The group - best known for its floral clothing and furnishings - said like-for-like sales at the fashion division were down 36% in the first half, leaving overall UK sales 10% lower.

A recent overhaul of its fashion division aimed at bringing in younger customers had made its lines less popular with its more traditional core shoppers.

Pre-tax losses came in at £1.2 million for the 26 weeks to July 31, against a deficit of £1 million in the same period last year.