Moss Bros has revealed that like-for-like sales dropped 3.9 per cent in the 16 weeks to May 23. Total sales fell 2.3 per cent during the period.

However, the retailer said that sales have been “continually improving”, with like-for-likes over the last 10 weeks down 2 per cent.

Retail gross margin in the year to date is ahead on last year by 50 basis points, meaning year to date total gross profit is down 1.4 per cent.

Moss Bros added that it is “prepared for the very challenging current trading environment to continue through the remainder of the year”.

Chief executive Brian Brick said: “Our core competency of suit selling remains very strong (suit units ahead 27 per cent) with our position as the UK’s number one branded suit specialist in no doubt.

“We continue to operate and manage the business in the manner befitting the current environment and the more I work with the management team the more opportunities I can see for this business in the future.”