Online retail group Very has reported a return to profit despite a decline in sales.

According to its latest trading update for the six months to 28 December 2024, total revenues fell 4.5% to £1.17bn from £1.22bn in 2023.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £6.1m, improving from its loss of £2m. This was after exceptional costs of £18.4m, compared with an exceptional cost of £11.8m the previous year.

Within total revenue, its flagship brand Very UK, which represents 87% of sales, saw a decrease in revenue of 3.2% to £1bn, while Littlewoods revenue declined 15.3% to £109.2m, which is in line with expectations as the managed decline strategy for this brand continues.

As for the Home category, which is of “strategic importance” as Very prioritises higher margin sales, in Q2 it saw growth of 7.3% compared to the prior year. This was largely due to an increase in sales of home accessories, textiles and upholstery.