B&M and The Works hit by tough Christmas trading

Retailers report weaker sales over festive period amid ‘subdued consumer confidence’

The discount retailer B&M cut its profit forecast, while the value books and crafts chain The Works reported a fall in sales, highlighting a difficult Christmas trading period for British stores.

B&M’s UK sales fell by 0.6% on a like-for-like basis in its third quarter to 27 December, though it said sales improved in December after it reduced prices.