However, sales increased by 5.7 per cent to£72.2 million, up from£68.3 million in the same period last year. Like-for-like sales were up by 0.2 per cent, compared with a 4 per cent rise for the previous comparable period.
Ottakar's was bullish about a strong line-up of Christmas titles, which include books from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, cricket star Freddie Flintoff and X-Factor judge Sharon Osbourne.
Chairman Philip Dunne said: 'Conditions on the high street have weakened over the summer. In the circumstances, our stores seem to have faired better than others. As always, our full-year outcome is dependent on the crucial Christmas trading period.'
The retailer has been involved in an increasingly frenetic bid battle in recent weeks. If HMV's bid is accepted, the merged bookstore chain would control an estimated 23 per cent of the market, which could raise competition concerns.
Ottakar's was founded in 1987 and today has 137 stores across the UK. There are plans for a further four store openings during the second half.
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