ScS has warned of significantly lower orders in recent weeks amid lower footfall.
The chain warned that in the 10 weeks since 31 July like for like orders were 14.4% lower than a year ago.
Compared with 2018, orders were down 7.8%.
‘Trading since the start of the new financial year has been subdued, with the challenges of high inflation impacting consumers’ disposable income. As previously reported, the sector is seeing softening demand as consumers defer spend on big ticket discretionary purchases,’ says Steve Carson, ScS ceo.
In the year to 30 June sales rose 8% to £344.7m, but pre-tax losses dropped by £6.3m to £16.4m as gross margin slipped from 46.1% to 45.3%.
