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<\/a><\/p>![\"Topps](\"https:\/\/www.retailgazette.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1704496465-696x461.jpg\" "\\"Topps")
<\/div>\nTopps Tiles has seen its first quarter group sales slip 4%<\/span> as cost-of-living pressures continued to dent consumer spending, but said it is \u201cwell-positioned to respond to market conditions\u201d.<\/p>\n In the 13 weeks to 30 December, like-for-like sales were down 7.1%, continuing the trend seen in the first eight weeks, although sales to trade customers were more resilient than those to homeowners.<\/span><\/p>\n The the flooring retailer\u00a0said t<\/span>rading at its Pro Tiler Tools online business was strong and its Parkside commercial business performed in line with expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n Sign up\u00a0here\u00a0to g<\/span>et the latest news straight into your inbox each morning<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Based on several factors including the timing of the holiday pay accrual, higher first half energy usage and trading in the first part of the year, the business<\/span>\u00a0said it continues to expect group profits in 2024 to be weighted towards the second half.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAs reported in the 2023 full year results, trading in the first quarter reflected the ongoing challenges to discretionary consumer spending, particularly those impacting on businesses serving the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe group\u2019s cost base remains well controlled, despite ongoing inflationary pressures, and cash flow remains strong,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette\u2018s free daily email newsletter<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nSubscribe to Retail Gazette for free<\/strong><\/h5>\n