French Connection has reduced its half-year pre-tax loss to £3.9m as it increased like-for-likes across its UK and European operation.

French Connection is trialling new formats including this Old Street pop-up store

The retailer reduced its losses by 64% from £6.1m to £3.9m for the six-month period to July 31.

French Connection’s interim results reveal its underlying like-for-likes were up 6.0% and increased by 1.1% on a reported basis.

However, total group revenue was down 6.6% to £84m due to store closures and “exchange rate movements”.

French Connection chairman and chief executive Stephen Marks said: “I’m pleased to report a further positive step forward as we rebuild value in our business. 

“The initiatives we put in place to drive a turnaround in our trading continue to deliver an improvement in performance. Whilst costs will continue to be managed tightly, we are cautiously investing in growth opportunities, trialling new store formats and developing our international business.”

New formats include a pop-up convenience store in Old Street station, London, that allows customers to pick up online orders.

Marks added: “It’s particularly encouraging to see the positive momentum continuing to be reflected in the wholesale forward order book where winter 14 is up on last year and initial spring 15 orders are strong.”

The retailer says its latest results represent the third sequential half year of improved financial performance.