Like-for-like sales rose by 0.2 per cent in the same period, compared with a 3.8 per cent drop in the same period last year - broadly in line with analysts' expectations.
Sales from net new Carpetright space increased by 2.1 per cent, but this was offset by the impact of the closure of Allders concessions in February and March last year. Gross margin improved in line with expectations.
Total product sales at Carpetright's European business increased by 9.2 per cent.
Since the half-year, a net 14 more UK stores are trading, taking the total to 429 including 27 concessions. Carpetright plans to have a further 15 stores trading by the end of the year and it will also open concessions at 18 House of Fraser stores, with the first launching in May.
In Europe, Carpetright plans to open three more stores in the Netherlands and one in Belgium before the year-end.
'We are well placed to grow sales and market share in 2006,' said chairman and chief executive Lord Harris. 'Our European business continues to grow and we are on track to open two stores in Poland before the year-end, as previously announced.'
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