Laura Ashley has recorded a 0.6% slip in like-for-like sales in the 18 weeks to June 1 as its fashion offer struggled.

The home and fashion retailer revealed total sales had also dropped by 0.6%. Laura Ashley online sales jumped 4.4%.

Laura Ashley said sales in its home furnishings business had been “strong” but its fashion division had “underperformed”, in part due to the unseasonal weather in the period.

It added: “We are continuing to improve and enhance our fashion range and are optimistic that this will be reflected in our second-half performance.”

This follows its full-year results, which were released in March, when Laura Ashley admitted it had got its fashion offer wrong after reporting 4.8% fall in like-for-likes.

In the 18 weeks to June 1 Laura Ashley opened two stores and closed three in the UK. Overseas the retailer opened 10 new shops in its franchise business and it agreed three new franchises, taking the total to 276 shops in 31 countries.

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