Laura Ashley shrugs off winter weather

20th Jan 2011 07:28

Extreme winter weather and consumer nervousness failed to prevent ladies fashion and home furnishings group Laura Ashley having a good Christmas, in contrast to other retailers.The company said it had performed better than anticipated since its trading update on 16 December and now expects full year profits to be "significantly higher than earlier expectations."Sales performed well over Christmas and in early January, the company said in a brief statement.Last week fashion retailer Jacques Vert said its performance in December was severely impacted by the weather, though Ted Baker and the budget clothing chain Primark managed to perform well despite the snow.