Flying Brands sales fall

Following a warning in September that recent “adverse events” had had a material impact on trading, the retailer said October trading was on forecast.

Sales at its gardens division were down£600,000 to£200,000 due to predominantly poor weather in August. Net debt at September 26 was£4.8 million and the group said it was continuing to pay this down.

For its entertainment division, sales were also down by£200,000, partly due to a planned reduction in recruitment activity for Listen2.

Chief executive Tricia Killen said: “From the beginning of this month, we have increased the selling price of selective Garden Bird Supplies products to offset rising ingredient costs and, in the first two weeks, our sales have been significantly higher than for the same period last year. We are confident that our projected gains from these price increases will be achieved.”

She added: “This week, we are also implementing selective price increases across the Flying Flowers business to compensate for rising product costs. Our pricing remains very competitive versus others in the marketplace.”