Family owned department store retailer Dawsons has reported a growth in sales as turnover surpassed £50m.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 September 2021, total sales rose 14% to £51.2m from £44.9m in 2020.

Gross profit decreased from £8.6m to £6.3m, while pre-tax profit resulted at £2.9m, down from £5m recorded the previous year.

Stated within its report, Dawsons said that sales improved due to increased online revenues, with garden furniture a key product category.

The company added that gross profit margins have decreased to 12% from 19%, which is due to the increase in shipping costs and higher prices from suppliers that place downward pressures on margins.

Dawsons, which operates across stores in Clitheroe and Skipton, as well as several websites including Garden Furniture World and Just Linen, said it plans to invest in a redevelopment project of its King Street store in Clitheroe.