Colefax says trading conditions remain difficult

Upmarket furnishing, fabrics and wallpapers designer Colefax said trading since its July update has remained generally difficult but broadly in line with expectations.

The group, whose brands include Colefax, Fowler and Jane Churchill, said as a result it is cautious about its key autumn selling period especially in the UK and Europe.

The Mayfair-based decorating company said overall sales in its core Fabric Division fell 1% in the four months ended 31st August on a constant currency basis.

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Sales in the US, the group's biggest market, climbed 6%, sales in the UK fell 8% while European sales dropped 7%.

Shares in Colefax closed at 252.50p on Monday.

CJ