Luminar sounds a new alert but is hopeful on sales

There was another profits warning from nightclubs operator Luminar today as it continues to struggle to persuade people on to the dance floor.

In the nine weeks to July 2, sales slumped 12%, resisting attempts by management to turn around a business hit by falling consumer confidence, cheap supermarket booze and youth unemployment.

The company is trying to broaden its appeal to an older customer base, and says sales are falling less than it expected. It added: "Luminar continues to see the benefit of its actions reflected in an improving performance, with a slightly lower than anticipated reduction in the decline of sales."