Johnson targets dry cleaning closures

Johnson Service Group has earmarked up to 28 dry-cleaning stores for closure this year, after January's blizzards and the return of VAT to 17.5 per cent triggered a 61 per cent plunge in operating profits to 500,000 in the six months to June.

Revenues for the division - which will be left with around 470 stores - were down 6.1 per cent in the same period at 38.8m.

The group, which also owns dry-cleaning brands Jeeves of Belgravia and consumables business Alex Reid, said the closures - coupled with a store refurbishment programme - should see profits lift in the second half and secure the future of the dry-cleaning arm.

JSG, which also has textile rental and facility management divisions, posted an overall 17 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to 6.2m in the first half.