Sofa-maker hit by slide in orders

UK sofa retailer ScS Upholstery today warned interim results would take a significant hit as nervous consumers shunned “big ticket” items.

The Sunderland-based group said like-for-like sales orders had dropped by 16% since the end of July amid tougher than expected trading conditions.

Consumers have been affected by higher interest rates and the squeeze in credit markets, according to the group.

ScS is launching an aggressive advertising campaign in a bid to up trading in the key Boxing Day and January sales periods. The company’s half-year trading period runs until January 26.

It is also reviewing costs across the business as it seeks to offset falling sales.