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The Warehouse has revealed a 4.3 per cent fall in third quarter sales to $394.6 million.
"Consumer demand has softened since the end of January with a marked slow down in demand for high ticket items, and a slow start to the autumn/winter season with mild weather experienced across the country," managing director Ian Morrice said.
"We remain confident however that we have a strong seasonal offer in apparel and winter home products for when the weather cools."
Earlier this week the Warehouse unveiled plans for its foray into more upmarket homeware, as it looked to tap into more design-conscious consumers.
Its new "Republic Revolution" range will include furniture, artwork, bed linen and tableware.
The Warehouse is the second retailer this week to report falling sales.
On Wednesday, Briscoe said its first quarter same store sales to April 27 were nearly 10 per cent lower than a year ago, and warned its first half net profit could halve.
The Warehouse today said group sales for the financial year to date were 1.4 per cent down on the same period last year to $1.34 billion.
The Red Sheds division had sales for the third quarter ended April 27 down 3.5 per cent to $337.6m, with year-to-date sales down 0.8 per cent to $1.19b.
Same store sales for the quarter were down 3.5 per cent, but that compared against a strong third quarter last year, The Warehouse said.
Warehouse Stationery third quarter sales were down 8.5 per cent to $57m, with year-to-date sales down 6.1 per cent to $153.7m.
Same store sales for the quarter were down 7.4 per cent.
Morrice said Warehouse Stationery's third quarter was up against a buoyant quarter last year. Product availability was improving but had continued to affect overall sales performance.
- NZPA
