Laura Ashley boosted by strong furniture sales

Home furnishings and fashion retailer Laura Ashley today said half-year sales rose 6.3% after strong trading in three of its four product areas.

Like-for-like retail sales in the UK gained 6.7% in the six months to August 1, with sales of furniture and clothing up 9.3% and 8.2% respectively. Home accessories posted growth of 1% but decorating declined 2.4% on a same-store basis.