Toy retailer The Entertainer is likely to scale back its opening plans for next year, following a tougher than expected run-up to Christmas.
Managing director and founder Gary Grant said difficult Christmas trading in the toy sector - which he said is becoming increasingly value-driven - had alerted the retailer to the fact it must now concentrate on improving the appearance and appeal of its existing stores, rather than simply opening more.
Instead of the six shops that were planned for 2004, Grant said there would now likely only be one new opening - at Harlow in Essex. The team in charge of shop openings will re-focus on improving ranging, promotion and layout in existing outlets.
For the year to February 1, 2003, The Entertainer achieved a turnover rise of 17 per cent to£35.8 million. Pre-tax profits almost halved to£676,258 because of new head office costs.
- Feature: page 14.
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