DEBENHAMS PROFIT FEARS

STRUGGLING Debenhams said its profits for the full year could fall to the lower end of expectations after tough trading caused sales to slip.

The department store posted a 0.9pc drop in sales across stores open for more than a year in the 15 weeks to June 17. Chief executive Sergio Bucher said rising inflation meant customers were more cautious with cash. But a resilient performance in the food and drink business helped mitigate the impact of clothing markets.