The fashion retailer reported that sales were down 11.2% year on year to £119.2m in the five weeks to January 2 as government restrictions hit peak trading.

In the 13 weeks to November 28, Matalan’s sales fell 21.4% to £244.8m, with stores closed during the November lockdown.

Matalan said its online offering grew 84% in the five-week Christmas period, representing the retailer’s push to become omnichannel through investment in supply chain capacity and order fulfilment from stores.