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Jan 12 2013 Liverpool Echo

DISCOUNT retailer Matalan said it was still cautious about the future, despite seeing profits rise in the run-up to Christmas.

The Skelmersdale group reported sales of £309.5m for the three months to November 24 – down 0.5% on the same period last year.

But its EBITDA profits (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) for the quarter stood at £45.3m – up from £41.7m in the same period last year.

The firm said sales for the five weeks to December 29 were down 1.5%, but saw more improvements in profit margins.

The group which employs 1,200 people in Skelmersdale, is set to move its warehouse and headquarters to Knowsley next year.

Chief executive Darren Blackhurst said: “Our active customer base is growing, the quality of our offer for customers is improving and we continue to improve our earnings. The market continues to be challenging and competitive, and we therefore remain cautious in our outlook.”