A FLOORING retailer's drive to appeal to more modern tastes is having an impact after it revealed stronger sales.

Carpetright said like-for-like sales lifted 7.5 per cent in the 13 weeks to January 24, with total sales rising 6.6 per cent.

It like-for-like sales across its European division, which covers Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium, also increased 1.7 per cent, though total sales slipped 0.8 per cent.

Wilf Walsh, chief executive of the firm, which owns Sunderland-based Storey Carpets, said the company will keep discount levels under review as it shifts to a more contemporary market.

It is looking to rebound from a £7.2m bottom-line loss last year, which was dragged down by weak trading across its European operations.

Mr Walsh, who took over from founder Lord Harris of Peckham, said broadening the brand's appeal, while retaining its traditional customer base, was at the heart of his plans.

He said: "In the UK, our continued focus on effective promotional activity and the introduction of an interest free credit offer from Boxing Day has delivered a like-for-like performance slightly ahead of the level experienced in the first half.

"Sales in our rest of Europe business have also continued to improve."

Mr Walsh added he is also launching a trial of smaller high street stores, which will feature a sample only premium product, and has emphasised the importance of the internet driving customers into its shops.

Carpetright has outlets in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Stockton and Middlesbrough, and its updates came after the firm last year posted stronger than expected half-year results for the period to October 25.

At the time, bosses said pre-tax profits had more than doubled to £6.7m, with UK like-for-like revenues increasing by 6.5 per cent on the back of improved customer confidence and a focus on price promotions.