Sales at Beales nudged up 0.8% in the 45 weeks to September 11 over the same period last year.

However, the department store group saw like-for-like sales dip by 1.7% as sales of big-ticket items suffered.
Beales says it is continuing to exercise a tight grip on costs, and warned that the outlook remains challenging. However: “The board believes the strategies and actions that have been and are being taken are beginning to show improving returns.”
The retailer this year acquired Robbs department store in Hexham and Rochdale’s Westgate Department Store.