Homebase sales flat

Homebase total sales were 1.1 per cent down in the 13 weeks to 28 August, with sales of £396m. First half sales were £855m, down 0.8 per cent.

Like-for-like sales were flat after two stores in the 345-centre group shut. Seasonal categories saw growth led by plants and outdoor furniture.

But parent company Home Retail Group said in its trading statement that pre-tax profits for the full year were likely to be between £250m and £275m - the bottom end of market forecasts.

Argos' like-for-like sales - in stores open at least a year - fell five per cent in the 13 weeks to August 28.

Good sales growth in computers, white goods -such as fridges, dishwashers and washing machines - toys and small ticket homewares were not enough to stop total sales declining by 2.8 per cent to £924m.

Home Retail Group chief executive Terry Duddy said: "As always, the [full-year]ome outcome will depend upon trading at Argos in its peak Christmas period."

Source : Matthew Appleby - Horticulture Week