The brand had been tipped to post its worst result in the first half of the year, but a disappointing summer and the challenging retail environment saw a smaller rebound in the second half than was expected, Premier said. The overhaul of the brand continues, Premier said, with 15 to 20 ''marginal stores'' to be closed following research to clarify its brand position, product offer and store design, the company said. Initial turnaround plans had been, in retrospect, too extreme for Portmans' customer base, Premier said, and those moves have been reversed and improved.