UK: Laura Ashley Hit By Poor Fashion Sales
Fashion and furnishings retailer Laura Ashley on Wednesday posted a slight rise in full-year profits to £8.6 million despite disappointing apparel sales and a slump in overseas shoppers. The company said group sales grew seven per cent to £276.8m, with home furnishings like-for-like sales up 18 per cent but fashion like-for-like sales up just one per cent.