Total sales like-for-like sales at Argos dropped 1.6 per cent in the retailer’s second quarter, down to £927 million.

Growth remained positive in consumer electronics, however – but was at a lower rate than in the previous quarter.

Furniture and homewares continued to show declining sales in challenging market conditions.

Online Check & Reserve orders for immediate store collection grew by over 40 per cent and represented 13 per cent of total Argos sales, with a further 9 per cent of sales being internet orders for home delivery.

Terry Duddy, Chief Executive of Argos parent Home Retail Group, commented:

“The performance of Argos and Homebase in the latest quarter was reflective of a difficult consumer environment. However, the Group’s focus on cost control should result in benchmark profit for the half-year being in line with our expectations; the Group has also had further good cash generation.

“Profits for the financial year as a whole are, as ever, dependent on the key Christmas trading period, though the Group’s operating model and financial strength will see us well positioned to compete in challenging conditions.”