Retail News UK

Footwear retailer Faith has gone in to administration, Retail Week has learned.

The supply of flowers, green beans, mangetout, sugar snap peas and some exotic fruits are under threat as volcanic ash grounds planes destined for the UK.

Department store group Debenhams has posted higher than expected interim profits after strong performances from its own-bought ranges and market share gains.

Value fashion retailer Matalan has refinanced by raising £525m of debt.

The cash will be used for a shareholder payout, understood to include a £250m dividend for founder John Hargreaves, and to refinance existing debt facilities.

Home furnishings and fashion chain Laura Ashley's group pre-tax profit climbed 7.8% to £11m in the year to January 30, driven by a strong performance in the UK.

Blacks Leisure has confirmed it received a letter from Sports Direct last week indicating that it would consider upping its offer for the outdoor chain.

Retail sales have grown for the second consecutive month, and growth is expected to continue at a similar pace through Easter, according to the CBI Distributive Trades Survey.

The Co-operative Group has reported underlying operating profits up 20% to £473m, buoyed by its acquisition of Somerfield.

Debenhams said that like-for-like sales at the department store were on an improving trend and that it has gained market share from rivals.

John Lewis reported that sales rose 15.9% year on year to £53.2m in its eponymous department stores last week.