Marshalls sees sales drop

Landscaping manufacturer Marshalls saw revenue for the four months ended 30 April 2012 of £106 million fall compared with the same period in 2011.
Revenue was 3% lower than last year at £109m.

After a satisfactory first quarter, sales did not show their usual post Easter uplift, due to disappointing weather and working conditions in April.

The rainfall in April of 138 mm (according to the Met Office), compared with 2011’s 14 mm and 2010’s 27 mm has been an important factor in the reduction in sales of £5m compared with last year.

Sales to the public sector and commercial end market, which represents two-thirds of Marshalls revenue, were flat. Sales to the domestic end market were particularly hit by the bad weather and were lower by 8% compared with the previous year.

However, the survey of domestic installers at the end of April 2012 revealed a higher backlog of demand with order books of 7.5 weeks (2011: 7.1 weeks) up from 6.3 weeks at the end of February 2012 (2011: 7.2 weeks).

Consumer confidence at the end of April 2012 was consistent with April 2011.