Sales at Bonmarché fell by 11 per cent in the final quarter of the year, while like-for-like sales in store were down 4.5 per cent for the year.

Online sales at the value womenswear retailer increased by 34.5 per cent over the year, but it wasn't enough to offset the fall in sales in store, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Despite this, Bonmarché, which has stores in Gloucester and at Lydney Co-op, said full-year profits would be in line with expectations. The company's gross margin percentage has remained stable due to careful stock control and improvements to their loyalty scheme, leading to lower discounting.

Looking ahead, the company expects trading conditions to remain tough, but Bonmarché is focusing on improving its offer to customers.