CEO Rod Duke says the strong first half should more than offset the one-off boost generated in the third quarter of last year on the back of the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Paul Estcourt
Briscoe Group, which operates the Rebel Sport, Briscoe and Living & Giving retail chains, says annual profit climbed by at least 9 per cent after boosting sales in the fourth quarter, encompassing the Christmas period.
Group profit will beat $30 million in in the year ended January 27, up
from $27.5 million a year ago, managing director Rod Duke said in a statement.
The retail chain boosted fourth-quarter sales 3.1 per cent to $146 million, with a 3.9 per cent gain in its Rebel Sport stores and a 2.7 per cent increase in its homeware outlets. Revenue gained 3.4 per cent to $452.7 million on an annual basis.
"Trading was particularly strong immediately prior to and post-Christmas, and we were especially pleased with the significant lift in sales achieved by our online stores," Duke said. "We are reasonably pleased with our sales, margins and overall performance for the final quarter of the year."
In November, Duke signalled net profit would trump 2011, though he wasn't more specific citing the importance of the Christmas retail period.
