UK tastes for hard flooring in the home boost sales, despite house market worries
The slowing housing market seems to have done little to dent yearly results for Topps Tiles. The retailer reported an increase in turnover of 32.5 per cent to£157.6 million for the 53 weeks to October 2, from£118.9 million a year ago.

Like-for-like sales rose 21.5 per cent, while profit before tax was up 78.9 per cent to£33.8 million, from£18.9 million last year. Topps Tiles opened 27 stores during the period, and has claimed it is on target to reach 350 stores in the UK.

The retailer believes its market sector will grow by 26 per cent over the next three years. Although the UK has favoured soft flooring in the past, tiles, wood and laminate flooring are all becoming more popular, driven by the growth in second bathrooms, conservatories and showers. The retailer has also benefited from a consumers' desire for larger kitchens at the expense of formal dining rooms.

Topps Tiles chief executive Nick Ounstead said: 'We have had another excellent period of strong sales and profit growth, and we are delighted to announce another record performance for the group. Topps is now a truly recognised national brand and we are confident that we have the right strategies, management and people to deliver another period of growth and progress.'

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