DEPARTMENT store chain Beales, whose shops include Whitakers of Bolton, reported a slowing in sales declines and said action to turn the business around was starting to pay off.

The firm is hoping a collaboration with retail veteran George Davies on his new GIVe fashion range will also reinvigorate sales.

Beales' same-store sales for the most recent 15 weeks dropped by 1.6 per cent, And half-year pre-tax profits fell 38 per cent to £543,000, while Beales confirmed it may have to renegotiate its banking agreements if economic conditions worsen.

The group has been bringing in new concession brands after the collapse of a number of its partners into administration amid the recession, such as Principles, Royal Worcester and Viyella.

It has added new names to replace them, including Manchester-based Craghoppers, Mamas and Papas and Chilli Pepper.