| Updated:
Laura Ashley profits hit by forex losses
FASHION and homewares retailer Laura Ashley said it was hopeful of an improved second-half performance yesterday after first-half profit was dented by foreign exchange losses.
The firm posted a pre-tax profit of £1.1m for the 26 weeks to 1 August, a fall of 77 per cent, attributed to currency losses of £5.5m.
Total sales did, however, increase 6.3 per cent to £127.8m, with growth in the company’s main categories of furniture, fashion, home accessories, and decorating. Online sales were up 36 percent.