Laura Ashley has reported a drop in its profits for the half year to August 1st despite like for like sales rising by 7 per cent. Total group sales of £139.7m were achieved during the half which saw 10 stores closed and three new stores open. The business had achieved stronger sales in home furnishings and slightly improved sales in the decorating category, however fashion sales were flat with like for like improving by just 0.8 per cent. Performance in the Japanese and Russian markets had flagged but the UK proved to remain strong with ecommerce sales up by 4.5 per cent to £23.5 million. The retailer ran a number of discount offers for online customers during the period and has also staged sales in store. Online delivery has now been extended to Belgium and the Netherlands.
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