Family-owned department store retailer Dawsons has reported a growth in sales and profit.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 September 2024, total sales rose 2.3% to £41.3m from £40.4m in 2023.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £658,000, up from £557,000 recorded the previous year.

Stated within its report, Dawsons said: “The favourable performance in the current year reflects the enhanced operational efficiency of the business in alignment with its inventory management and procurement strategy i.e., to keep appropriate stock levels and improve margin.

“In line with this goal the business successfully reduced its stock levels by 7.6% (£781k) and purchases by 1.3% (£356k) to prior year. The Skipton store was closed in December 2023 and new categories have been reviewed with a view to replacing this lost turnover.

“The company will seek further opportunities within the local and regional investment market if and when they become available.”

Dawsons, which also operates a store in Clitheroe, as well as several websites including Garden Furniture World and Just Linen, added that its net assets remained strong at £10.6m.