Direct Golf UK drives ahead with sales growth
RETAILER Direct Golf UK is predicting a third record year of growth following the opening of a number of new stores.
Turnover at the Huddersfield-based multi-channel retailer for the half year to the end of March was £11.3m, up 21% from 2011. Annual profits are expected to be 40% up on the previous year.
Direct Golf UK was founded in 1991 by PGA professional John Andrew, who remains the sole shareholder in the business.
Mr Andrew said: “2011 was a record year for our business, with both revenues and profits up, yet the start of 2012 indicates we’re on-course for another milestone in our 21st year of business.
“In 2010, we set out our aggressive growth plans for the business and since then have gone from strength to strength, adding nine new retail sites taking us from 12 to 21 stores and posting consecutive record financial years.”
The business employs more than 250 staff and also boasts a 75,000 sq ft warehouse where it stocks golf equipment. The company has opened four new stores so far in this financial year and has improved its website to cater for increasing numbers of online consumers.
Managing director Neil Bell added: “We have invested significantly in expanding our retail coverage and improving all aspects of our business and as a result have taken market share from our competitors, in a very tough market.
“We continue to not only buck the trend of retailers, but also post record results, in a time where there is little, if any, growth on the high street.”
