Weak ranges in menswear division and Dolcis fascia are blamed
Half-year sales are down across the board at Alexon, but the fashion group said it expects an improvement in the second half.

Like-for-like sales were down 6.9 per cent for the 26 weeks to July 29.

In an update released today, the group said trading at both the menswear division and shoe chain Dolcis had 'continued to suffer from weak ranges and a difficult trading environment'.

Work is being done to widen the appeal of the stock offer for the autumn season.

The company said young women's fashion brand Bay Trading was 'in good shape' despite the lack of a 'must-have' trend this season.

At the beginning of this month, Alexon announced plans to offload the loss-making Dolcis footwear chain and appointed corporate financial adviser Hawkpoint to handle the sale. Dolcis recorded losses of£700,000 last year, compared with a profit of£3.6 million the previous year.

Alexon also operates concession brands Eastex and Ann Harvey. The menswear business includes high street chain Envy.

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