Like-for-likes steady
Specialist carpet and floor covering retailer Carpetright revealed total sales increased 7 per cent and like-for-likes rose 0.1 per cent for the 13 weeks to January 27.

The Europe division unveiled 12.5 per cent sales growth, with like-for-likes up 4.9 per cent.

Carpetright opened 13 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland - including three concessions - and closed four, taking the total number to 503, including 65 concessions.

The retailer also opened two shops in the Netherlands and two in Poland, taking the group total to 608 outlets.

Carpetright chairman and chief executive Lord Harris of Peckham said: 'We are satisfied with our overall performance. The group has continued to increase sales in all of its businesses, with new space contributing strongly. We are especially pleased with the performance of our concessions stores.'

He added: 'Carpetright opened its 600th store in the period and we have plans to open another 20 stores before the year end.'