Snow halts Johnson recovery

6th Jan 2011 12:40

Snow has taken its toll on dry cleaning and textiles rental group Johnson Service, with second half profits in its dry cleaning business knocked by £1m, though the linen rental side performed better than anticipated.In dry cleaning, sales were up 1% like-for-like in the three months before the cold weather struck in November but the business has been significantly impacted since then, Johnson said, reducing divisional profits by over £1m. Cold weather at the start of the year in March also cost it £0.6m As a result, dry cleaning profits for the year will be below the board's expectations, it added. Textile rental's adjusted operating profit improved despite pressures on revenue, the statement said. Both Johnsons Apparelmaster and Stalbridge have performed ahead of expectations, with the one off profit benefit of approximately £0.7m associated with financial year 2010 being a 53 week trading period.