Sales boost for Laura Ashley

Jun 2 2009 By nebusiness

HOME furnishings and fashion retailer Laura Ashley today said price promotions had helped lift sales in a "challenging and unpredictable" market.

The firm said UK like-for-like sales had risen 6.9% in the 17 weeks to May 30, despite economic uncertainty hitting consumer confidence and spending patterns.

Continued promotions in fashion and furniture have driven sales growth, although the firm has slowed the pace of its store opening programme in the tougher climate.

The chain opened just one new store in the UK over the period, taking its total to 229 in the UK and Ireland, but remains ``cautiously optimistic" for the rest of the year.