Upmarket wallpaper firm Sanderson Design Group showed it is not immune from the challenging UK consumer environment, as it posted a fall in sales.
The company which is behind brands including Scion and also gets licensing income from the use of its designs on products such as rugs and tableware, pointed to more “difficult” conditions here.
Brand product sales in the UK were down 11.8% at £19.5 million in the six months to July 31. The fall comes at a time when the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
The AIM-listed group’s total sales lost 2.1% to £56.7 million.
However trading for the full year remains in line with board expectations, and the firm cheered strong growth in North America.
Sanderson, which saw pre-tax profits rise to £6.2 million from £5.5 million, also said major licensing agreements signed in the period included Next with the Clarke & Clarke brand for a wide range of homewares.
Chairman Dianne Thompson said as the company enters the key autumn selling period, it is encouraged by the pipeline of licensing opportunities and by the strength of the balance sheet.
