Bonmarché posts FY profit, lifts divi amid difficult retail sector

Women's value retailer Bonmarché has turned in a lower annual pre-tax profit but bumped its total divided higher in a year that saw difficult trading conditions across the retail sector.

The results showed like-for-like store sales up 0.7% and online sales up 3.6%. Revenue was £187.96m, from £178.58m, and pre-tax profit was £9.56m, from a profit of £12.4m.

"We have emerged from this period with a clear focus on our five key strategic pillars for growth," said chief executive Beth Butterwick.

"We are focused on driving our modernisation plan over the coming year. We firmly believe that with its unique position as a niche retailer, focused on catering for the mature female demographic, Bonmarché is well placed for the future," she said in a statement.

The company recommended a final dividend to 4.64p a share, taking the total to 7.14p, from 6.8p.

"Bonmarché's performance for the year has been achieved amidst the difficult trading conditions widely reported across the retail sector," said Butterwick.