The UK division of French furniture retailer Roche Bobois has reported a growth in sales but a decline in profit.
According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021, total sales rose 6% to £14.1m from £13.3m in 2020.
Gross profit increased from £8m to £8.6m, while pre-tax profit resulted at £251,000, down from £775,000 recorded in the previous year.
Stated within its report, the company, which trades through eight UK showrooms, said that the national lockdowns impacted turnover with its first quarter down by 48%. Since reopening, sales significantly increased and were higher by 24% compared to 2020 and by 7% compared to 2019.
“Covid forced a large number of people to stay at home, and subsequently carry so many of their day-to-day activities from home. Working from home, home schooling and so many other practices have meant that consumers are realising the importance of interiors. The directors believe the company will benefit from this surge in consumers appetite to improve and upgrade the comfort and style of their homes,” the business added.
During the year, the company developed new tools to better serve customers remotely, which included live chats and live tours of all the UK showrooms being implemented.
