Rebel Sports' rise muted

SYDNEY - Rebel Sports (Australia) saw its sales for the half-year to January 1 increase 4.4 per cent to A$161.95 million ($178.33 million), compared with the same period the year before.

Rebel, whose chairman is Harvey Norman boss Gerry Harvey, said yesterday that same-store sales were in line with the previous year.

Rebel said sales for the six months were not strictly comparable with the same period a year earlier, mainly because of the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

Managing director Stephen Heath said the Cup delivered unprecedented sales of supporter wear in late 2003, "which was always going to be difficult to equal in the corresponding quarter of 2004."

As well, he said, trading conditions for footwear had been difficult since November "and the closure of many stores on Boxing Day due to state Government legislation has also affected traditionally strong sales on that day".

Rebel has 55 Rebel Sport stores and eight Glue lifestyle stores.

- AAP