Carpet group still faces sales pressure

TROUBLED RETAILER Carpetright has said UK sales remain under pressure as uncertainty continues to affect shopper confidence.

The group confirmed UK likefor-like sales fell once more in the 13 weeks to January 26, although it said trading had improved since the first half, when sales tumbled 12.7 per cent.

Carpetright said: “Trading patterns have remained volatile week to week, against a backdrop of uncertainty and weak consumer confidence.”

Its European operations have fared better, with the group saying trading has been “consistently” ahead of a year earlier, driven by robust trading in the Netherlands.

The group also confirmed it is on target to deliver promised annual cost savings of £19m, agreed as part of a rescue deal announced in April that will see it undergo a dramatic store closure programme.

Its update on Tuesday also saw the group announce that its chief financial officer of more than 10 years, Neil Page, is stepping down later this month to retire from a full-time role.

He will leave the board on February 25, but will remain with the company until April 30. Mr Page will be replaced by Jeremy Simpson, most recently chief financial officer of Sureserve Group, on February 25.

Wilf Walsh, chief executive of Carpetright, said: “As CFO, Neil has made an outstanding contribution to Carpetright.”