Tile retailer Topps Tiles Plc has reported improving sales during its first half with as it conotnies to make ‘good progress’ in all five key growth areas driving its ‘Mission 365’ initiative.

According to its latest trading update for the 26 weeks ended 29 March 2025, total adjusted sales rose 4.1% to £127.38m, with an improving trend across the first and second quarters.

Adjusted gross profit increased 3% to £68.2m, with adjusted gross margins sequentially higher in H1 FY25 than H2 FY24 despite higher trade mix, due to due to “good operational controls and strong margin management”. Adjusted profit before tax rose 3.2% to £3.2m.

Topps said it continues to modernise the trade digital experience, with online trade sales up 85% and total trade sales up 12%, while Pro Tiler Tools sales rose 17.6% and Tile Warehouse sales have doubled year-on-year and is the “UK’s fastest growing tile specialist”.

Furthermore, its CEO recruitment process continues with “good progress”, with an announcement expected in H2 FY25 with a planned transition.

As for current trading, Topps added it has made a strong start to the second half, with Group adjusted sales in the first seven weeks up 9.5% year-on-year and Topps Tiles like-for-like sales up 6.2%.

“The business is well-positioned to deliver sales and profit growth this year through our differentiated offers and strong strategic execution,” the company said.

Rob Parker, Chief Executive said: “I am pleased with the progress we have made over the first half, which has included an improving sales trend, offsetting the majority of our inflationary cost pressures, and continuing to deliver our strategy; while also delivering a small increase in underlying profitability. 

“We have recently announced the conclusion of the CMA investigation into our acquisition of CTD, which will form a major part of the business-to-business element of our growth strategy moving forwards.

“As we look forward to the second half, current trading shows a strong improvement in both our market leading omni-channel business, Topps Tiles, and also in the newer parts of the Group; and we have a clear plan to move CTD into profitability by the final quarter of our financial year and into growth beyond that. As a result, we expect our full year profits to show a meaningful improvement over the prior year.”