Carpetright trading below expectations

28th Apr 2010 07:39

Floor coverings retailer Carpetright warned that UK conditions have continued to be difficult with sales falling slightly below company expectations."We anticipate the year ahead to remain challenging," said chairman Lord Harris of Peckham.For the 12 week period from 31 January 2010 to 24 April 2010 group sales rose by 4.9% and the store base decreased to 703 at the period end.The group, which issued a profit warning in March, said UK and Republic of Ireland sales rose by 6.8%, with like-for-like sales were up 1.5%. Eight stores have been closed, taking the total to 586.Total sales in the Netherlands and Belgium have now returned to growth, rising by 0.9% with like-for-like sales up 1.6%.