OUTDOOR retailer Blacks Leisure saw its profits all but wiped out yesterday after sales were affected by unseasonably warm weather.
The group, which has a distribution centre in Washington, Wearside, posted underlying pre-tax profits of only £100,000 for the year to March 3 - down from £22.4m last year.
The firm slashed its final dividend to 2p, compared with 8p last year, as it admitted the year had been "very disappointing".
Blacks is now pinning its hopes on new camping and summer clothing lines and said sales had started well, but added that prospects for the group would depend on the key selling period between June and September.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article