Good quarter for Rebel Sport

MELBOURNE - Australian sporting goods and clothing retailer Rebel Sport said its fourth quarter sales increased 25.2 per cent as the soccer World Cup contributed to increased purchases by football supporters.

The company said comparable sales from stores open at least a year increased 18.9 per cent in the fourth quarter.

"The soccer World Cup and the season commencement of the major football codes inspired a lot of Australians to support the Socceroos and other teams by purchasing supporter wear," the company said in a statement.

Total group sales for the year ended July 1 increased 17.1 per cent to A$371.2 million ($455 million). Comparable sales from stores open at least a year increased 10.8 per cent.

Shares in Rebel Sport, majority owned by electrical and furniture retailer Harvey Norman Holdings, closed at A$3.35 on Monday.

- REUTERS