Northallerton-based independent department store retailer Barkers has reported another growth in sales as turnover surpassed £20m.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 January 2023, total sales rose 26% to £21m from £16.6m in 2022, adding to its growth of 28.6% from £12.9m in 2021.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £2.7m, significantly improving from £375,000 recorded the previous year.

Stated within its report, Barkers, which trades from its department store on the High Street and its Home store on Yafforth Road, said that the past year’s growth has mainly been driven by the continuing development of Barkers Home business, strong trading from the high street store and improved results from the restaurants and café business.

The company added that gross margin remained strong at 47.8%, compared to 48.2% in the prior year. “The directors are pleased with the continued growth in the business and strong trading performance in the year.”