DIY giant Topps Tiles has reported modest growth while taking on a bigger share of the tile market.
The national retailer, based at Grove Park, Enderby, said revenue from its 327 stores and website was £177.8 million in the year to September 28 – up from £177.7 in the previous year.
The annual results, out this morning, showed adjusted pre-tax profit rose from £12.8 million to £13 million in the year.
Like-for-like sales – ignoring new shops – slipped 0.5 per cent, although the company said they had jumped 7.4 per cent in the last eight weeks.
Chief executive Matthew Williams said: "We have successfully achieved our primary goal of growing profitable market share this year.
"We have made a strong start to the new financial year, with like-for-like sales ahead by 7.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis in the first eight weeks.
"While it is too early to confirm that this is a sustained trend, we are encouraged by this performance.
"Shareholders can be confident that, as market leader, Topps remains well positioned to continue to grow profitable market share and capitalise on any further improvement in the UK housing market and consumer confidence in 2014."
The business, which is 50 years old this year, is set to trial a new range of smaller "Boutique" stores in the coming months.
