Apparel and home wares retailer Matalan reported a 7.4 percent like-for-like sales drop in the 26 weeks ended 25 February. Home wares continued to perform poorly due to its week range of Christmas gifts, but apparel maintained its market share at 3 percent.

The company said it would continue to focus on its gross margin, which was up 0.5 percent, cumulatively, during the period. Its apparel gross margin rose 1.6 percent.

"Matalan is on track to deliver results for the year to 25 th February that are in line with market expectations," said chief executive John King. "The past year has been a difficult one, and the retail environment has been tough. The outlook for the sector remains challenging, but Matalan is continuing to maintain its market share in clothing and is taking action to address the issues in its Home operations."