Carpetright, Britain's leading floor coverings retailer, said that its post-Christmas sales in the UK declined as heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures kept shoppers away from its stores.

Essex-based Carpetright said that its UK sales fell 30 per cent in two weeks of harsh weather conditions.

Comparable sales in Belgium and the Netherlands slipped year-on-year 3.7 per cent in the 13-week period ended January 30 as compared with a decline of 3.9 per cent in the previous six months.

Shares in Carpetright shed 31 pence to 941 pence-a-share.

However, comparable sales in the UK and Ireland jumped 2.3 per cent during the 13-week period ended January 30, down from a growth of 3.9 per cent in the previous six months. Analysts had projected an increase of 5-10 per cent.

The retailer is optimistic that it would recover in the coming months. The company added that it was comfortable with its full-year forecast.

Company’s CEO Lord Harris said that renovation projects can not stop and people just delayed the decision to buy.