Florida-based fashion company Chico’s says the average spend by customers increased in the latest quarter – as did the average number of items per transaction.

However, the company – which owns and operates brands including Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma – said that was not enough to prevent a modest 2.4 per cent decline in overall sales to $545 million. Comp-store sales were down by 3 per cent for the quarter to July 29.

By brand, Chico’s comparable sales fell 2.5 per cent while White House Black Market fell 5.7 per cent and Soma by 0.5 per cent.

Molly Langenstein, Chico’s CEO and president, said full-priced sales for all three brands remained healthy, the company attracted new customers and it gained market share.

“Our apparel customers continued to buy head-to-toe dressing, and responded to new proportions in sportswear, and our intimates customers responded to new strapless and unlined bra launches.”