MENSWEAR chain Moss Bros said sales were on an improving trend – after a surge in demand for business suits in the face of job uncertainty.

The firm, which has a store at New Street in Huddersfield, said like-for-like sales fell by 3.9% in the 16 weeks to May 23 – but this improved to a decline of 2% the last 10 weeks of the period. The number of suits sold rose by 27%.

In March, Moss said that job fears prompted customers to focus their reduced spending power on suits for work – helping offset weaker demand for ties, shirts and hire wear.

The retailer, which dates from 1851, has 155 stores under brands including Moss Bros, Hugo Boss and Cecil Gee.

In March, the company announced a pre-tax loss of £9.3m for the 53 weeks to January 31.