Fatface has reported a £3.2million loss which it attributed to adjustments following the takeover by Next.

The fashion brand, which has stores in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Cirencester said it had "focused on profit over sales growth" following the buyout.

The Hampshire-headquartered business was acquired by Leicester-based giant Next for £115.2million in October 2023.

Accounts filed with Companies House on Friday (Oct 25) show that Fatface fell to a pre-tax loss of £3.2m in the 35 weeks to 27 January, 2024, a financial period shortened to align with that of Next.

It compares to a £19.5m profit the year prior which was measured over the 52 weeks to May 27, 2023.

Sales at the chain came in at £191.5m, while UK specific revenues hit £172.5m for the period.

Despite posting a pre-tax profit of £4.6m from its trading, Fatface said it had incurred exceptional costs of £7.9m - mostly relating to integrating with Next.

Will Crumbie, Fatface CEO, said: "Against the backdrop of a challenging external environment, we have delivered a robust performance for the 35-week period. Our focus on full price sales led to an improvement to margin and Profit Before Tax as our beautiful products continue to resonate with our growing customer base.

"Our stores continue to be fantastic places to visit and shop, and our digital presence remains a key part of our offer. "