Dobbies Garden Centres has recorded strong figures this Christmas with total sales of £24.1m being 21% higher than the same period last year. The garden centre retailer also saw record real Christmas tree sales and record restaurant sales.

The highlights were:

• Total sales of £24.1m were 21% higher than the same period last year.
• Like-for-like sales were 8% higher year-on-year and 1% higher than 2016.
• Footfall was 6% higher year-on-year.
• Against 2016 footfall strengthened significantly in the last two weeks, being 9% higher.
• Stronger customer conversion for both Retail and Hospitality on a one and two-year basis.
• Record real Christmas tree sales.
• Record restaurant sales.
• Strong sell through to date for seasonal clearance event.
• Cash margin significantly ahead of last year and 2016.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO, said: “Our Christmas trading performance was underpinned by strong conversion, as customers responded positively to the re-ranging of favourite products and the launch of exciting new ranges.

"In addition, the improvements we have made to our Hospitality offer, including to our Santa Grottos, have been very well received by customers.”

Andrew Bracey, Chairman, added: “Dobbies’ Christmas trading results are a credit to the hard work of Graeme and the team. With this critical trading period following closely after the acquisition and successful integration of six new centres, we are very pleased with the progress that has been made.”

Pictured: Dobbies Christmas tree sales are top of the tree. Credit Jeff Holmes