John Lewis

March 6: John Lewis said it was starting to feel the effects of a downturn as it reported a 19.7 per cent rise in pre-tax profits and announced an increased staff bonus
Follow results and trading statements from major UK retailers as they are reported on FT.com
Results and trading statements from UK retailers during March and early April will provide evidence about the state of high street spending amid concerns that the UK could be heading for recession.
February sales data from the British Retail Consortium refelcted slowing sales and low consumer confidence. While food sales remained strong, sales of clothing, footware and homewares were lower. Retailers have called on the central bank to cut interest rates, citing difficult trading conditions and many bemoan privately the dearth of happy shoppers.
Some stores have found the right formula for operating in a nervous economic environment and supermarkets, in particular, are expected to be among the most resilient businesses.

March 6: John Lewis said it was starting to feel the effects of a downturn as it reported a 19.7 per cent rise in pre-tax profits and announced an increased staff bonus

March 13: Sports Direct International made a third-quarter gross profit of £142m and said it was ‘confident’ of meeting earnings expectations

March 13: Sir Ken appointed honorary president as supermarket group reports record profits and announces £1bn share buy-back

March 19: Kesa Electricals forecast a period of ‘no growth’ as it reported flat full-year profits and said in recent weeks sales in the UK had turned negative

March 26: Sainsbury’s announced a £1.2bn property joint venture with British Land as it reported better than expected fourth-quarter trading

March 27: Kingfisher took a knife to its final dividend as pre-tax profits for the year ending February 2 fell 12 per cent to £395m

March 19: Next met expectations, reporting a £20m rise in pre-tax profits to £498.1m. However, it warned of a drop in sales in the year ahead

April 2: Woolworths cut its dividend as it reported a fall in pre-tax profits and announced that it would put Somerfield concessions in its stores

April 15: Carphone Warehouse shares fell 8.6 per cent as it forecast full year pre-tax profits of £215m-£220m, before a write-off

April 17: WH Smith said it was confident about its prospects despite high street gloom as it reported interim pre-tax profits ahead of expectations