The value retailer posted a 70.5% decrease in profit before tax to £32.2m for the 26 weeks to September 29.

The fall in profits was attributed to the German arm of the business – Jawoll – which was impacted by distribution issues and weak sales performance and is now under review by management.

However, group revenue was up 12.4% to £1.8bn – excluding Babou in France, which was acquired after the half-year.

Revenue at its UK stores was up 13.8% including a 3.7% increase in like for likes.