In an AGM update, ScS said that its like-for-like order intake slid 7.1% in the 17 weeks to November 23. On a two-year basis, like-fpr-likes were down 4%.

ScS chair Alan Smith said: “It is clear that the ongoing economic and political uncertainties are continuing to impact consumer confidence and spending. However, the board is pleased to report that the business is trading in line with our expectations.”