ScS like-for-likes nudge up as soft trading hits

Like-for-likes increased 0.2% over the year to July 28. There was a clear divide in the year’s trading with like-for-likes rising 2.2% in the first half but declining 2.6% in the second half. ScS blamed this on softer trading and extreme weather with a cold start to the year followed by the long-lasting heatwave.

The value furniture retailer’s total order growth inched up 1.3% over the year.

ScS boss David Knight has previously been bullish about the retailer’s fortunes, telling Retail Week that the business was immune to the twin threats of Amazon and Brexit.

He said today: “I am pleased to announce that the group has traded in line with the board’s expectations for the year, an encouraging result given the challenging retail environment.

“We believe this demonstrates the increasingly resilient nature of our business and the success of our value proposition. We remain focused on continuing to deliver our growth strategy and providing excellent choice, value and quality for our customers.”

ScS trades through House of Fraser, which is on the brink of collapse after its prospective new owner pulled out of a deal to purchase the beleaguered department store chain. Just over 7% of its orders came through the retailer over the year.