Sales up, but like-for-likes down
Sofa retailer ScS Upholstery revealed sales orders up 11 per cent for the 26 weeks to March 31, but trading over the Easter weekend was particularly disappointing.

Like-for-like sales orders declined 9 per cent during the period and down 8 per cent for the first 18 weeks.

The retailer said the good weather, on top of a difficult trading environment generally, adversely affected Easter sales, which fell in the second half of the financial year.

ScS said: 'The two May bank holiday weekends are key to the final result for the 10-month period to July 31, but we approach the challenge with a strong balance sheet, strong cash flow generation and sustained confidence in our business model.'

Seven stores have opened in the financial year to date. Two more are due to open this year: one tomorrow and a second at the beginning of May.