Store openings accelerate
Land of Leather revealed a positive performance in its pre-close trading update released today.

In the 17 weeks to July 30, like-for-like sales orders were up 5.7 per cent, total orders were up 25.6 per cent and Easter orders were also up, by 2.2 per cent, despite strong comparatives and what the company described as 'more challenging trading conditions'.

The company has accelerated its store opening programme, helped by a surfeit of empty units on retail parks. 10 stores opened in the 17 weeks to July 30, and by the end of August a further four new stores and five refurbished ones will open.

'We are pleased to be trading to plan and to have successfully opened ten new stores in such a short period,' said chief executive Paul Bryant.