CJ Lang & Son has reported a 10.7% increase in pre-tax profits to £3.4m for the year ending 30 April 2022, with margin up 0.3% to 23.3%.
However, turnover for the year was down 0.1% to £212.3m.
The company said it continues to implement its strategy for profitable growth. In 2022 there has been a continued focus on enhancing its food-to-go offer CJ’s, as well as improving and implementing consistent store standards while investing in the store estate.
In addition, investments have been made in key resources, both within the board and executive management team to onboard further skills and experience, and within company-owned stores, with significant investment in Crosshouse, Gatehouse of Fleet, Spean Bridge and Balmacara in the past 12 months.
CJ Lang & Son CEO, Colin McLean, said: “The previous 12 months saw changes continue in the retail landscape as we finally emerged from Covid-19 to move into the cost-of-living crisis and a very uncertain future globally. We know that there are tough times ahead for all and our primary focus is to offer a value proposition to help support our customers and staff through the ongoing uncertainty.
“Being solely Scottish focused has enabled us to adapt quickly and react flexibly to the changing retail landscape and to continue to provide a first-class service to our independent retail customers, consumers and communities at a time when they have needed us most.”
He added: “Despite the changing landscape, we remain committed to our strategy for profitable growth. We have continued to implement our key pillars across the business, including investing in our food to go offering, improved profitability and pricing, and optimising our distribution processes.
In September 2022 the company held its biggest tradeshow, with more than 800 delegates, in Aviemore.
McLean said: “We also continued to grow our independent customer base and make improvements to our offer to meet the changing customer needs within convenience retailing. We are now attracting the best of Scottish retailers to join Spar Scotland thanks to our competitive wholesale package, but we are also focusing on quality rather than quantity, ensuring that retailers with our name above the door adhere to our standards with appropriate remedial action being taken on those who fail to maintain them.
“With our vision of developing a solid business not just for today but for tomorrow too, we have grown independent sales, and are excited to welcome on board more retailers in the future and further expand our relationships.”
