Homebase weakens in second quarter

Homebase, the DIY chain that is part of Britain’s Home Retail Group, ended the second quarter (to 27 August 2011) with sales of £ 382 mio, which amounts to a fall of 3.8 per cent compared with the same period last year. This is a 3.1 per cent minus in like-for-like terms. The sale of seasonal products went badly as a result of the weather; moreover, consumers held back from making bigger purchases, according to information received.Sales for the first six months add up to £ 840 mio. That is 1.8 per cent down on last year, or 0.6 per cent down like-for-like.