Johnsons' pledge on openings

The owner of dry cleaning business Johnsons yesterday said it was on a more stable footing after returning to the black last year with profits of £20.6m.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2010, 20:33 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2010, 20:33 BST

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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However, 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.

Related topics:Britain