Tough conditions continue
Confectioner Thorntons has blamed tough high street conditions for the 6.5 per cent sales slump over its vital Christmas period.

The retailer revealed that like-for-like sales at its own stores fell 4.9 per cent during the 26 weeks to Christmas Eve, a period that historically accounts for 60 per cent of its sales.

Total sales for the group were£109.5 million, 6.5 per cent less than the previous year. The group said: 'Discussions with regards to a possible offer for Thorntons are continuing, although there can be no certainty that any offer will be forthcoming.'

City analyst Richard Ratner said of the like-for-likes: 'This is below the figure reported at Thorntons' AGM, when own-shop like-for-like sales were down 4.4 per cent, highlighting how the difficult market conditions have continued.'

Thorntons will report interims for the 28 weeks to January 7 on January 17.

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