Bonmarché sees a 7.8% drop in like-for-like sales

Bonmarché has seen its like-for-like sales decline by 7.8% in its third quarter of trading.  These sales did however remain in line with the revised guidelines it gave on December 13^th.

In the 13 weeks to December 29^th, online like-for-like sales climbed by 22.2%.  In store like-for-like sales were down by 11.1% in the period, which was better than a 12% prediction in December.

The retailers has said that its winter sale has started well and that it its continuing to trade in line with revised guidelines.

Helen Connolly, Bonmarché chief executive said: "Clearly, in the short time since our last update, macro market conditions have not changed, but I am pleased that the sale stock is clearing well and that trading is in line with our revised expectations. In the short term, we continue to focus on ending the year with a clean stock position and ensuring that our balance sheet remains healthy.

“Looking forward, the board remains confident in Bonmarché’s prospects and strategy and we will continue to drive the implementation of our previously outlined plans, maintaining a particularly strong emphasis on increasing multichannel sales.”