Moss Bros sees sales fall

Moss Bros has revealed a pre-tax loss before exceptional items of £5m for the 53 weeks ended 31 January 2009, which was in line with expectations.

Group like for like sales fell 3.2 per cent , (2.8 per cent excluding vat.) On current trading like for like sales in the first six weeks of the current year are behind 9.4 per cent (7.4 per cent excluding Vat), impacted by the major effects of snow in the opening two weeks; since then like for like sales are behind 5.7% (3.6% excluding Vat); total sales gross margin in the first six weeks increased 2.3% points leaving sales gross profit behind 1.1%.

"Despite the trading loss before tax, the group finds itself in a better position than many retailers," the company said in a statement.

Moss Bros has been synonymous with quality and value in fine clothing for men for well over a century. The Group's reputation in formal menswear and unrivalled commitment to customer service sets it apart in a world that demands only the best.

A distinguished heritage is the cornerstone of Moss Bros, a dynamic and forward-looking organisation which spans such internationally renowned names as Canali, Beale & Inman and Hugo Boss. In the UK, generations of style-conscious customers will know and trust the brands Moss Bros, Moss and Moss Bros Hire, Savoy Taylors Guild and Cecil Gee.