The Range reports 30% increase in pre-tax profit

Pre-tax profit at homewares and furniture retailer The Range surged almost 30% last year.

Pre-tax profit rose from £20.3m in 2011 to £26m in the year to January 29 while turnover rose from £249.4m to £296.7m, according to documents filed at Companies House.

Owner Chris Dawson said he was “satisfied” with the results but that there is “room for improvement”.

He told Retail Week: “There’s room for improvement. I’m never pleased. I’m satisfied. It’s ok.”

Dawson said that economic conditions remain difficult and there was little prospect of an improvement. He said: “Conditions are going to go on for some time. Anyone who thinks it will go back to what it was like five years ago is in Disney World.”

Dawson added that The Range has store openings planned in Tamworth and St Helens.

The retailer added to its head count in the last year driven by an increase in shop floor staff. The business employs 240 people at its head office, up from 220 the year before while store staff grew from 3,227 the previous year to 3,920 in the year to January 29 2012.

Source : Alex Lawson – Retail Week
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