Johnsons' pledge on openings
Johnson Service Group said its 501-strong dry cleaning chain faced "the toughest challenges" due to the ongoing decline of Britain's high streets and the impact of consumer caution.
It closed 22 Johnsons stores and reduced working hours for many shops impacted by the recession, while it plans to shut an estimated 20 outlets this year as leases come to an end.
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Hide AdHowever, the firm pledged to continue with an opening programme to refocus sites on better locations, such as drive-ins and those in supermarkets.
It opened 10 last year and is aiming for another 10 new outlets this year, while it will continue to revamp its existing portfolio under its environmentally friendly Green Earth programme.
Sales across the main retail dry cleaning businesses – Johnson Service and Jeeves of Belgravia – dropped 5.1 per cent on a like-for-like basis last year, with underlying earnings down 1.1m at 3.1m.