Independent furniture retailer Glasswells has reported a slight decline in sales and profit.
According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 28 February 2026, total sales fell 3% to £27.8m from £28.5m in 2025.
Pre-tax profit resulted at £2.9m, down from £3.3m recorded in the previous year.
Stated within its report, the company said: “The 52 weeks of this year were always going to struggle to compare with 53 in the previous period, but demand for home furnishings has been slow in the last twelve months, hence sales have dropped.
“All stores tell a similar story of lower footfall and less browsing. Decisions have been slow to be made and impulsive purchases few and far between. Our main store in Bury St Edmunds was disrupted by a lengthy refurbishment of the giftware and kitchen departments which impacted trade in the short term, but will benefit the business in the coming years.
“Sales in in the smaller areas of linen and gifts performed strongest, whilst carpets and furniture suffered greatest. Contract flooring, where the residential housing market has been subdued was well below the previous year.
“Our operating profit, although lower than the previous year is a most satisfactory one. Our cash position remains strong and we are ready to take advantage of expansion opportunities, should they occur.”
