The business benefited from a strong performance of third-party partnerships in the period, including Next, M&S and The Iconic in Australia. It also opened a store with Arnotts department store in Dublin after initially selling online through its website.

Sosandar said trading in October has started well with sales ahead of last year. However, as a result of the weak first half, it has lowered its full-year revenue forecast by £5m to £40m. Its profit expectations remain unchanged.

Co-chief executives Ali Hall and Julie Lavington said: “The opening of our first three own stores marks a key point in the company’s development, as we move towards becoming a true multichannel retailer.

“The feedback on our product range and store environment from both new and existing customers has been fantastic, which shows the power of the Sosandar brand.

“We have hit the ground running with strong footfall and conversion, and have also seen a demonstrable uplift in traffic to our website in the areas where our stores are located.”

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