Discount fashion retailer Best & Less Group (BLG) has reported a “slow start” to its summer trading although expects a “strong finish” to the first-half in terms of profitability.

Sales are up 22.8 per cent compared to the same period last year although like-for-like sales fell 7.4 per cent overall with store sales down 2.3 per cent and online sales declining by 32.9 per cent.

BLG’s executive chair, Jason Murray, said the business currently holds an “excellent” seasonal inventory position supported by its recent investment in lower prices.

“Looking ahead, we expect value-conscious shoppers to continue to be attracted to our differentiated specialty value offer. We will retain our relentless focus on preserving margins and driving cost efficiencies.”

The company expects nearly 60 per cent of its first-half profits to typically occur in the final six weeks of the half given the major shopping season lies ahead for the business.

In August, the business reported its full-year revenue fell 6.2 per cent to $622.2 million after the company lost 10.8 per cent of its trading days to Covid restrictions.