The owner of fashion brands Kaliko and Ann Harvey today said like-for-like sales were down 11% after trading became “increasingly challenging”.

Shares in Bay Trading womenswear firm Alexon slumped more than 20% today as the retailer painted a grim picture of high street trading.

A shortened trading week will see Halfords and Mothercare publish updates, while publisher Bloomsbury will look to restore confidence after its profits warning in December.