Wakefield-based Bonmarché, the discount fashion retailer aimed at women over 50, said its total sales for the 13 weeks ended July 1, 2017, increased by 7.6% against the corresponding period in full-year 2017.

Store like-for-like sales increased by 4.2% and online sales increased 39%.

“Trading during the first quarter of the new financial year has been in line with the board’s expectations, which are therefore unchanged in relation to the full year’s result,” said the firm

“The financial position of the business remains sound.”

Bonmarché  CEO Helen Connolly said: “I am pleased with the improvement in trading and in particular the further progress in online sales.

“Whilst we are in the early stages of implementing our strategy, I am encouraged by the positive response from customers to the developments in our ranges and the improvements we are making to the shopping experience.

“The improved sales performance during the first quarter, achieved in a clothing market which remains challenging, underpins our confidence in the strategy, and our expectations for the full year remain unchanged.”