Matalan’s profits and sales have rocketed in its first quarter, which the retailer has attributed to its ongoing focus on full-price sales.

EBITDA rose 37.7% to £22.3m in the 13 weeks to May 27, 2017.

Sales crept up 1.3% but full-price sales soared 21.5%.

Matalan chief executive Jason Hargreaves said he was “really pleased” with the first quarter.

Focus on full price

He added: “We had a clear focus on full-price sales [which] has resulted in a strong set of results in what remains a challenging market.

“Consumers face tough times at present. Inflation is rising and they are surrounded by economic uncertainty.

“In such a climate, Matalan is well positioned to offer fantastic design and quality at outstanding value.”

Online growth

Hargreaves added that the retailer’s online channel continued to “grow rapidly”, adding that it had introduced a next-day click-and-collect service.

Matalan is also refurbishing its store estate.

Hargeaves said: “We will be continuing to refresh more stores through the rest of the year.

“We don’t expect the retail environment to improve in the near term, so remain cautious, but are pleased with how the business is progressing with improvements to the ranges, store estate, and strong growth in the online channel.”

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