Postie Plus boosts total sales

Clothing retailer Postie Plus today announced total sales were up 4.5 percent to $33.1 million in the January quarter.

This compared to sales of $31.7 million in the previous January quarter.

Sales for the half year ended January were $57.94 million, up 4.9 percent on the $55.23 million posted the previous January half.

Postie Plus chairman Peter van Rij said while the market remained competitive, better weather meant the group's sales of summer ranges improved.

Group general manager and acting chief executive Ron Boskell said he was pleased with the figures as the November-January quarter was traditionally not the group's strongest period.

Sales were boosted by turnover from the annual New Year women's underwear sale, which has previously been held in February.

"Nevertheless, we have had an encouraging start to the current year," Mr Boskell said.

The Postie Plus Group includes clothing chain Postie+, nursery retail chain Babycity, and manchester retailer Arbuckles.

Shares in the group were up 3c at 68c in a broadly stronger market this afternoon, having ranged between 57c and $1.37 over the past 12 months.

- NZPA