Success attributed to store push
Upholstery specialist Land of Leather revealed a rise of 35 per cent in total sales orders for the 13 weeks to October 29.

Like-for-like sales were up 5.1 per cent. The company attributed the strong first-quarter results to a significant number of store openings in the past six months.

Land of Leather opened six outlets during the period, bringing its store count to 87. The retailer intends to open a further 15 stores by the end of the financial year. As part of this target, six stores will open on Boxing Day.

Land of Leather chief executive Paul Briant, said: 'The successful trading in the first quarter and the continued acceleration of our store opening programme leave us well positioned as we approach the important January Sale period.

'Our position as a leather-only specialist offering exceptional value continues to prove a successful formula and is enabling us to compete effectively in a tough trading environment.'