Northallerton-based independent department store retailer Barkers has reported a slight growth in sales as profit remained strong.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 January 2025, total sales rose 1% to £21.4m from £21.2m in 2024.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £1.5m, just down from £1.6m recorded the previous year.

Stated within its report, Barkers, which trades from its department store on the High Street and its Home store on Yafforth Road, said that sales were consistent with the prior year, while gross margin remained strong at 47.5% compared to 47.2%.

“The Home Store orderbook at the end of the year showed a healthy increase of 18% compared to the end of the previous year. We also took the decision to increase the number of solar panels at the Home Store, which at times enables the store to run sustainably off-grid.

“The business has delivered stable turnover, supported by resilient trading across both stores, as well as solid performance in our restaurants and café operations. The decrease in operating profit (£1.2m compared to £1.9m) reflects ongoing inflationary pressures, particularly with respect to wages and business rates, which have continued to impact the wider retail sector.

“After the year-end, key improvement works were undertaken, including replacements of both the Barkers Arcade roof and the Home Store atrium as well as a new roof on the original part of the Home Store and a refurbishment of the High Street store lingerie department, enhancing the customer experience and maintaining the high standards expected across all areas of the business.

“The directors remain pleased with the continued resilience of the company’s trading performance and are confident in the long-term outlook.”