ScS chief to exit as sofa retailer’s Christmas sales rise

The boss of ScS has announced plans to step down from the furniture retailer, as it saw sales pick up over the Christmas period.

Chief executive David Knight said he will retire in 12 months’ time after 32 years with the company.

His departure comes amid a testing period for the business, which also revealed that like-for-like orders slipped 4.4% for the 26 weeks to January 25.

ScS said it had a stronger Christmas period, with like-for-like order intake increasing by 1.2% over the past nine weeks.

The retailer said this was a significant improvement over the previous 17-week period, which had seen like-for-like orders dive by 7.1%.

It said its sales for the half-year were in line with expectations despite the weak start to the period.

ScS said it is “mindful of the continued economic uncertainty and subdued consumer confidence”, but believes it is in a “strong position”.

The retailer said a search will commence shortly to find Mr Knight’s successor to steer the company.

Chairman Alan Smith said: “David has committed a very substantial part of his working career to ScS and has been pivotal to its success.

“We are delighted that he will remain in the role of group CEO until we have his successor in place and ensured an orderly handover.

“On behalf of the board, shareholders and all other ScS stakeholders, I thank David for his outstanding contribution to the group and wish him the best of health and happiness for his life beyond ScS.”