Cushioned boost for Laura Ashley
A strong performance in home accessories and growth overseas today helped furniture-to-fashion retailer Laura Ashley post a 14% jump in half-year profits.
Defying difficult conditions on the high street, retail sales in the UK improved 6.1% to £127.5m (€159.6m), with the pace of growth in same-store sales this year accelerating from 3.9% at the end of July to 4.2% last Saturday.