Bargains slow MFI.

FURNITURE retailer MFI yesterday disappointed the market by saying bargain hunting by shoppers in the January sales was likely to eclipse improvements to its troubled supply chain. MFI said cost-conscious customers placed a larger number of orders below pounds 500 in the period from December to March.

UK retail was the worst performer of its three main divisions, with like-for-like orders rising just 2% during the period and 4% in total.

Shares in the group fell 5.5p to 129p