Topps Tiles reveals improved sales - graduate jobs

Topps Tiles has paved the way for a stronger DIY market as the firm revealed improved sales figures once worries about the Budget and the election were finally put to rest.

The company's like-for-like revenues eased to 1.2% over the last month from a fall of 4.3% seen at the start of June. Despite the third quarter success, City firms continued to stick to earlier forecasts for profits of £16.1 million.

The group's increased sales results will be good news for graduates searching for jobs in the retail sector as the company continues to expand.

Mark Photiades, an analyst at Singer Capital Markets, said the firm's trading held up well despite the warmer weather and the World Cup. He added: "Although smaller independents may be struggling, larger players including Tile Giant and the DIY sheds pose an increasing competitive threat. Management believe that at peak around 25% of sales were related to house purchases. Although this is believed to have fallen to around 10%, a slowing housing market would clearly not be helpful."

The group operates from 310 sites, having opened eight new stores and closed seven during the current financial year.