Christmas outlook uncertain
Monsoon chief executive Rose Foster has resigned from the fashion retailer.

Foster sold all her shares in Monsoon yesterday, totalling£380,000, which prompted speculation over her departure. She will remain with the company until May.

Foster has worked for the fashion retailer for the last five years and, in light of her departure, the company will be reviewing its board and management structure.

Sales at Monsoon rose 23 per cent in the first 17 weeks of its financial year to September 23, but like-for-likes fell 6 per cent.

The figures were consistent with forecasts given at the time of the preliminary results in July, but the results were up against weak comparatives last year.

Monsoon said the outlook in the run-up to Christmas was 'uncertain', but that action had already been taken to reduce costs.