Like-for-likes dropped by 0.2% during the six months to the end of March at Topps Tiles, and although the group saw revenue increase by 0.9%, adjusted profit before tax fell by almost £1m.
Weaker consumer confidence in the second quarter meant LfL sales during that period were down 2.1% - levelled out only marginally by the LfL growth of 1.6% seen during the first quarter. Like-for-likes during the eight weeks to May 25 fell by 2.6%.

Topps has responded to the difficult trading period by implementing a range of self-help measures, including a focus on customer service, strong ranges and multi-channel convenience. As well as this, cost saving and efficiency measures are hoped to reduce operating costs to the tune of £2m over the second half of the financial year.

Said Topps chief executive Matthew Williams: "In response to the weaker market conditions we saw across the second quarter, we are implementing a programme of self-help initiatives and significant cost reduction measures and are pleased with the progress made to date.

"However, we are also mindful of the current trading environment which has deteriorated slightly over the last eight weeks. At this early point in the second half, assessing the likely impact on the full year outcome is difficult, but we continue to be cautious on the like for like sales outlook for the remainder of the current year."

Topps traded from an average of 322 UK stores during the six month period as opposed to 319 last year. Operating costs were £46.5m compared to £45.1m during the prior interim period. On an adjusted basis, operating costs were £45.8m compared with £44.6m last year.

"The principal driver of increased costs is inflation," said the group, "and a small increase in the number of stores trading which, when combined, have increased our cost base by £1.2m"