Topps Tiles eyes “sharp” increase in sales after lockdown lifts

Topps Tiles has become the latest retailer to show how lockdowns have hit trading, but the chain is eyeing a “sharp” improvement when stores can reopen fully.

For the latest lockdown the firm’s stores have only been able to offer click and collect for retail customers, with no browsing, while trade customers have had limited access to branches.

The tile specialist saw total revenues for the six months to March 27 decline to £103.6 million from £106.2 million, although comparable retail sales improved 2%.

Topps Tiles said it had a strong first quarter, with high demand for products as shoppers embraced DIY projects, and like for like retail sales jumped 19.9%.

But the second quarter was hit by lockdown restrictions, and comparable sales fell 17.3%.