Pumpkin Patch wary of Christmas trading as retailers keep discounting

Pumpkin Patch wary of Christmas trading as retailers keep discounting
By Paul McBeth Nov. 20 (BusinessDesk) - Pumpkin Patch, the children's clothing chain that closed underperforming stores in the US and UK this year, is wary of the upcoming Christmas trading period as the environment stays tough and retailers continue to discount their wares to attract bargain-hungry customers. Chief executive Neil Cowie told shareholders the tough trading conditions from the 2012 financial year have carried over into the new period and he doesn't expect that will "materially improve" in the short-term. "Promotional activit...