Furniture retailer ScS has said trading has been very strong both in its shops and online since the reopening of its stores following the Covid-19 lockdown. Group order intake climbed by 92.2% from 24 May to 25 July compared to the same period in the prior year.
The retailer said the increase was a result of pent-up demand and its “well-executed” reopening of stores. Trade was also boosted by targeted marketing over the last two months.
Although the company saw a significant increase in online orders during the lockdown period, there was still a decrease in bookings year-on-year. Order intake was down 92.5% during the lockdown period and by 5.9% in in the year to 25 July.
This meant that delivered sales for the full year declined to £268 million from £333 million in the previous year.
Looking ahead, the company said: “Whilst it is too early to provide clarity on the outlook for the weeks and months ahead, the group is encouraged with its trading performance since reopening on 23 May 2020.
“ScS is a resilient business, with a strong balance sheet, coupled with a flexible cost base, and is well positioned to navigate these difficult circumstances and maximise opportunities as and when they arise.”
