by Joe Jeffrey
Salop Leisure reports on record sales figures for beginning of 2016
Sales of touring caravans, motorhomes, caravan holiday homes and accessories at Shrewsbury-based dealership Salop Leisure are racing ahead of the same period last year after a successful first two months of 2016.
In January, sales for company, which also has sales centres in Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, were around 18 per cent up on the corresponding month last year and the business growth has continued during February to leave Salop Leisure buoyant for the launch of the new caravanning season, which traditionally begins in March.
The company is also reporting a big increase in sales in the Love Plants specialist plants centre and in Love Coffee restaurant.
“Sales in every part of the business are extremely buoyant,” said company chairman Tony Bywater, who this year clocks up 50 years in the caravan industry. “The indications are that more people will be taking their holidays in the UK this year.
“Low petrol and diesel prices have certainly helped the industry and fear of more terrorist attacks in tourist resorts in certain parts of the world is also impacting on people’s holiday choices.
“There is still a focus on getting value for money with holidays and that’s why many families are investing in a caravan holiday home, which they can share with their children and grandchildren.
“Caravan parks in Mid Wales and the Heart of England are proving more popular than ever because they are within two hours driving distance of people living in the West Midlands and North West England.
“We sell caravans and motorhomes to people of all ages, but we are beginning to see more young families investing in their future holidays, which is very encouraging.
“We are hoping that 2016 will be another record breaking year for the company to mark our 50th birthday.”
Another positive sign was a record number of sales lead at the Camping, Caravanning & Motorhome Show, which attracted thousands of visitors to the NEC in Birmingham last month.
Salop Leisure’s accessory shop manager Andy Harding and salesman Josh Davenport set the standard with more than £100,000 of caravan awning sales at the show.
“It was a very successful show for the company, with sales well up on last year,” added Bywater. “The number of awning sold by Andy and Josh was exceptional and we have lots of sales leads to follow up from the show.”
