Fashion chain French Connection has seen success from its turnaround plan, as sales rose in the 15 weeks ended May 10th, driven by product improvements and a lack of discounting.

The retailer, which has over 130 stores across Europe, has cut inventory levels, redesigned product ranges and made its buying teams more flexible in the past year, as part of a plan to turn its retail division around after reporting three profit warnings in two years.

In the first quarter, like-for-like sales rose 5.6%, up 9.1% on an underlying basis, adjusting for the 2013 mid-season sale.

Stephen Marks, chairman and chief executive said: "I'm pleased to see continued momentum in our performance which demonstrates that we are on the right path. We are also encouraged by the early response to our Winter collection."