The Works saw its like-for-like sales rise by 1.5% in the 11 weeks to 12 January after achieving sales growth in both its stores and online. The retailer said there were strong sales in its core Christmas categories as it benefited from the popularity of new product ranges as well as items linked to the Frozen 2 film release.
However, like-for-like sales dropped by 3.6% in the 26 weeks to 27 October due to what the retailer described as a difficult consumer backdrop.
The Works reduced its pre-tax loss in the half year to £8.5 million from £9.1 million in the previous year. It also opened 28 net new stores and has launched a further 13 since the period end.
The retailer has announced that its chief executive, Kevin Keaney has stepped down and been succeeded by Gavin Peck, who was previously chief financial officer of the company.
