Ted Baker UK sales hit by snow

Fashion chain Ted Baker has reported a slowdown in group sales growth as UK trading was hit by the extreme weather in the run up to Christmas.

The British designer brand reported a 7.6% rise in group retail sales for the eight weeks to January 8, compared with 8.6% in the third quarter to November 13.

Despite the adverse weather hampering UK trade, the company said it would meet profit expectations for the year, as sales since Christmas had been particularly strong across the group.

Chief executive and founder Ray Kelvin said while the economic outlook remained uncertain, the company would continue to expand the brand globally with 2011 new store openings planned in Manchester, Paris and Hong Kong.