Weak performance

The UK DIY chain Homebase has announced a sales increase of one per cent in the first four months of the business year (to 30 June). New stores contributed three per cent, whereas like-for-like sales were two per cent down. At 30 June Homebase traded from a total of 288 DIY stores, of which 122 had a mezzanine floor. According to the company, certain core ranges including tiling and flooring performed well, as did kitchens, furniture and horticulture. However, business was weak in other product categories in the garden area, most especially garden furniture.