Value fashion retailer Matalan saw a fall in sales over Christmas thanks to Covid-19 closures.

In the five weeks to 2nd January, the retailer, which has stores in Gloucester and Chleltenham, saw sales of £119.2 million, 11.2 per cent down on the same period last year.

Steve Johnson, executive chairman of Matalan, said: "All of our stores across the UK re-opened during December, and performance prior to further restrictions being announced was strong. Although Covid-19 restrictions again closed 62 of our stores from the 19th December, and a further 30 from Christmas Eve, we launched our main winter sale online and in our remaining stores on Boxing Day, with entry volumes below last year.

"Since Christmas, the Covid-19 landscape has deteriorated significantly, with all of our UK stores once again mandated to close on the 4th January for an uncertain duration."

Since the start of the third lockdown, Matalan has furloughed most of its store teams. Unlike some non-essential retailers, it is continuing to offer a click and collect service from its stores. It is continuing to focus on online sales and said it remained cautious for the months ahead.

Steve Johnson continued: "Our experience of re-opening our stores following a lockdown gives us confidence that we can once again trade well in what will undoubtedly continue to be a tough retail environment."