UK fashion retailer N Brown Group is set to close up to five loss-making Simply Be and Jacamo dual-fascia stores by the end of August, due to declining footfall.

Focusing on plus-size clothing, the company stated that the decision is on account of weak high-street footfall, along with future business rate increases for some stores.

The decision comes even as the company reported a 5.6% rise in group revenue and an increase of 16% in online revenue during the first quarter.

“We continue to invest in our customer proposition and remain very confident in our future growth prospects.”

According to the company, ladieswear and Simply Be had a very strong period, leading to a larger market share.

N Brown Group CEO Angela Spindler said: “As a result of ongoing weak footfall in some locations, and with a clear focus on driving financial returns across all areas of our business, we will be closing up to five loss-making stores.

“We continue to invest in our customer proposition and remain very confident in our future growth prospects.”

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The five stores collectively accounted for the total £2m operating loss of the company’s store estate in the current fiscal year.

Expenditure to be incurred in relation to the process is estimated to be between £10m and £14m.

The company further noted that it will continue to improve the performance of the remaining ten Simply Be and Jacamo dual-fascia stores.