WINDERMERE-based kitchen and homeware giant Lakeland is bucking the trend in the retail sector nationally by enjoying an increase in sales.

While all seems to be doom and gloom on the high street – Marks and Spencer saw its share price plummet last week after warning it expected to see a drop in sales this year – Lakeland is embarking on a big recruitment drive and opening new stores.

“”We are quietly pleased with how we are doing,” said finance and retail director Bob Grainger.

He declined to say how much sales were growing, but described the figure as “between a little bit and a reasonable amount. It’s noticeable that they (sales) are up.”

Lakeland placed a full-page advert seeking new staff for both its Windermere and Kendal sites in The Westmorland Gazette.

The family-owned company needs extra staff for its flagship store and customer service operation at Windermere, and mail order despatch and order pickers at its Kendal distribution centre.

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