Sales soar 9.8% at Howdens Joinery
Galiform - the retailer formerly known as MFI Group - revealed strong trading at its Howdens Joinery business for the 16 weeks to April 21.

Sales rose 9.8 per cent, with like-for-likes up 5.9 per cent in the 16-week period, compared with last year.

The group said that after the disposal of its MFI retail business, which was sold for£1 in October, the development of Galiform is continuing in line with company expectations.

Howdens Joinery has opened nine depots since January and the retailer plans to open 60 by the end of this year.

Galiform said its supply and logistics agreement with MFI will be terminated on December 21, rather than the end of March.

Galiform said: 'The amended terms enable us to bring forward a full review of the manufacturing, warehousing and logistics requirements of Supply after the termination date. We will be able to give greater attention to focusing on the business opportunities available to Howdens Joinery and Supply.'

The group added that details of the outcome of this review will be announced as decisions are taken.

Seymour Pierce analyst Richard Ratner said: 'A good outcome, but expected. The Supply agreement should be beneficial to next year's numbers because this arrangement was at a cost to Galiform. This will allow re-organisation of Supply to take place earlier than planned, but at present no figures are given.'