Fashion chain losing connection with shoppers

Fashion retailer French Connection sank deeper into the red yesterday after a poor sales performance over the spring extended into the following months.

Shares fell 6% as the group reported a pre-tax loss of £7.9m (€10.9m) for the six months to the end of July, compared to a loss of £3.9m in the same period a year ago.

The group had admitted in April that it was struggling. It shut six stores during the six-month period and plans three or four more closures during the second half.