PETER Vardy, the motor group, has reported that over 40 per cent of its sales were online in annual accounts to December 31, 2020.
The business, which was set up as a single dealership in Perth in 2006 and has grown to 14 dealerships across Scotland employing more than 1100 people, said turnover fell by 6.5 per cent from £471.15 million to £440.57m with Covid restrictions causing the dealerships to close their doors for around a quarter of the year.
It reported increased earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation of £14.26m, a 3.2% return on sales, from £11.27m, a 2.4% return on sales, in 2019.
A record 42% of sales were transacted online. It said it has sustained its digital sales focus with the roll out of a new sales structure across the group which is supported by the SilverBullet online sales platform software, which allowed omni-channel retailing, and the introduction of an inhouse transport division supported growing demand for home deliveries.
Peter Vardy, chief executive, said the firm is "prioritising growing the business and creating new employment opportunities".
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