Clothing retailer Bonmarché sees festive sales jump

Women’s clothing retailer Bonmarché has announced an increase in combined like-for-like sales of 5.8% for the 39 week period ending 27 december.

The Wakefield retailer reported an increase in store like-for-like sales of 3.9% and a significant boost in online sales of 34.9%, for this period.

In the five weeks ending 27 December, online sales jumped 41.3% and combined sales increase 6.1%.

At the end of December 2014, Bonmarche operated a total of 282 stores, up from 264 stores in December 2013.

Beth Butterwick, chief executive officer of Bonmarché, said: “We are satisfied with Bonmarché’s Q3 performance in a challenging, promotionally-driven market.

“Gross margins remained under pressure, but we continued to make positive LFL sales gains. Much of the challenge in the clothing market was due to the prolonged mild weather, which began in September and continued until mid-December.

“The Board believes that the year’s performance will be in line with its expectations.”