Sales increased and losses were cut at historic furniture and interiors business Arighi Bianchi, which has counted the British Royal Family among its customers, during its latest financial year despite the impact of Covid-19.
The retailer has reported a turnover of £15.1m for the 12 months to June 30, 2021, up from the £14.7m it posted during the prior year.
Its pre-tax losses also decreased from £601,138 to £119,315 over the same period.
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With a heritage that dates back to 1854, Arighi Bianchi - famed for its iconic grade II-listed building in Macclesfield - is one of the longest running family-owned furniture businesses in the UK.
The company sells a range of contemporary furniture and accessories for the home, as well as carpets, flooring, blinds, curtains and fitted kitchens through its Kitchenality concession.
A statement signed off by the board said: "The directors report it has been another difficult year due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with store closures for four months of the last year, however, online sales have continued to go from strength to strength.
"This year's loss has been driven by the continued Covid-19 pandemic, however, the directors do not see this loss continuing in future years due to the high footfall since the store reopened in April 2021.
"The directors are pleased to report a significant improvement on performance for the first four months on last year's trading figures, until the store had to temporarily close in November 2020 and again from January until April 2021.
"We saw continued growth in our online sales during the year and significant demand for the last three months of the financial year when the store opened again in April 2021.
"Year on year, total turnover increased by £400,000 (3%) even though the store was closed for four months.
"With our strong brand name, continued investment in our website and new integrated IT systems, we feel we are well placed and in a strong position to take advantage of the continued pent up demand generated from the Covid crisis over the next 12 months in addition to an increase in new housing developments.
"With our good product mix and large product range, we are confident we can push forward and deliver continued sound financial performance and continue to grow our market share."
