Out of fashion: Retailer Bonmarché sees store takings hit by weather

Bonmarche has warned over profits, blaming weak consumer demand and hot summer weather for a decline in sales. The womenswear retailer said that, while online sales held up during the second quarter, store revenue has come in below expectations. As a result, underlying pre-tax profit for the year is now expected to be approximately £5.5 million, down from last year’s £8m. Chief executive Helen Connolly told investors yesterday: “These are undoubtedly challenging times in the retail industry.”