John Lewis of Hungerford says trading is in line with expectations
Upmarket kitchen brand John Lewis of Hungerford has said it expects to report sales for the full year ending 31 August of £8.2 million as well as a small operating profit.
In a trading update the company said its performance in the second half, traditionally its stronger trading period, was in line with expectations.
In its previous financial year, the company took the decision to close its showrooms in Tunbridge Wells and Harrogate. Both ceased trading by 31 December 2016 and, after adjusting for the effect of these closures, the underlying sales growth for the year will be around 4%.
John Lewis of Hungerford has also appointed James Barnard as a non-executive director.
With over 17 years’ experience in purchasing, marketing, merchandising and operational roles in the retail sector, Barnard’s previous roles include the business unit director for kitchens and bathrooms at Wickes where he led the customer change programme. More recently, he has operated as an interim consultant advising a portfolio of clients on customer centred transformation, step change growth strategies and operating model development.
Gary O’Brien, chairman of John Lewis of Hungerford, said: “I am delighted that Jim has agreed to join the Board. Having been working with the Company in a consultancy capacity over the past 6 months I have seen at first-hand the skills he will bring to the board, utilising his wealth of experience in the sector. The appointment is another positive development as we seek to create sustainable value for our shareholders.”
