Footwear and accessories retailer Le Saunda is to close under-performing CNE stores.

CNE, a brand which caters to younger demographic, has been losing lustre for some time. The company closed 17 CNE stores during the first half and it says it might close the same number of stores in the second half.

While its overall profit for the first six months grew 25.2 per cent, it expects trading in the second half to be difficult.

With weak demand and rising frontline staff costs, it would be hard for the company to yield good profits, it says.

Le Saunda operates brands including Le Saunda, CNE and Linea Rosa in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.