In-store sales cloud online boom at Bonmarché

Despite seeing online sales rise by 28.9 per cent during the six months to 29 September, Bonmarché saw in-store like-for-likes fall by four per cent.

The women’s fashion retailer’s overall like-for-like sales fell by one per cent after the bricks and mortar side of the business was hit by “weaker consumer sentiment and footfall”.

Statutory pre-tax profit came in at £2.3 million, compared to £4.2 million during the same period in 2017. Underlying profit before tax was £3.3 million, compared to £4.2 million last year. Total revenue was in line with last year at £97.9 million.

Rising online sales were driven by customers being offered a wider range of products and sizes, and an increase in the take-up of in-store ordering, according to a statement.

Chief executive Helen Connolly said: “Whilst store trading has been impacted by the general weaker consumer sentiment and footfall seen across the market, we have continued to improve our proposition, particularly our digital capabilities and with a broader, modernised product offer, which is reflected in our strong online performance.

“We remain focused on exploiting the opportunity afforded by the increasing demand for online shopping and are encouraged by customers' responses to new ranges such as denim, leisurewear and resortwear,” she added.

During the period Bonmarché opened one new store in Aberdeen, but also closed five stores that had come to the end of their leases.

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