Laura Ashley has reported UK like-for-like sales down 9.9 per cent as it suffers under “tough trading conditions”.

In the first 20 weeks of its second half to 13 December, the fashion and homewares retailer said total UK sales increased by 9.7 per cent against the same period last year, due to the increase in retail space. During the period, it opened nine stores and closed three, taking its current total to 231 in the UK.

Laura Ashley said tough trading conditions in the current economic climate, combined with the effects of new store openings on existing stores, has affected like-for-like performance. Its internet sales have increased 55 per cent, although it recorded a fall of 26 per cent in its mail order business.

In a statement, Laura Ashley said while the outlook remains “extremely challenging” it would continue to focus on increasing revenue generation through various channels, improving operational efficiencies, differentiating product offering and continuing its store realignment programme. It expects trading to be broadly in line with the board’s expectations.

Laura Ashley also said its Asian franchise partner has started a programme to open 80 stores in China over the next five years and its new Middle East partner has committed to expanding the retailer’s presence over the next five year.