Lakeland hopeful after tough Xmas

Lakeland, the kitchenware mail order and stores group, had a 'very tough' Christmas.

Marketing director Julian Rayner said the retailer will see a marginal increase at best, despite 16 per cent growth in turnover for the last calendar year, when sales reached approximately£95.5 million.

'Taking account of new store openings and inflation, Christmas will be about 1 per cent up on last year,' he added.

Rayner is hoping for double-digit growth in the current year. 'As with other retailers, the economy is key,' he said.

A new out-of-town retail outlet, at Handforth in Cheshire, is at planning application stage. It will be Lakeland's 26th store.