Super Retail Group sales up amid subdued market

Super Retail Group has lifted like-for-like sales across its major three segments.

The company on Thursday said its like-for-like auto part sales for the 17 weeks to April 29 was up 2.5 per cent, and for the year to date they were up 3.0 per cent.

Leisure sales for the 17-weeks were up seven per cent over the prior corresponding period, and up six per cent over the 43-week period, while sports sales were up 1.5 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively.

“We continue to expect to deliver annual growth in group total segment EBIT of between 16 per cent and 18 per cent above the prior comparative period, assuming that current trading conditions exist during the balance of the year,” said Peter Birtles, MD and CEO, Super Retail Group.

“Our businesses have delivered good improvements in customer ratings, conversion and average transaction value so far this half.”

Birtles said the more subdued retail environment has impacted customer traffic in its shopping centre stores, reflecting a slight slowing in like for like growth in the sports and auto divisions.

“It is particularly pleasing that the leisure division has continued to deliver strong sales growth since Christmas despite adverse weather conditions in the lead up to Easter and the 7 per cent like for like growth delivered in the prior comparative period,” he said.

“We have been developing our strategy for a number of years and we see no need to deviate from our plans in the face of new competition coming into the market.

“Participating in high involvement categories mean that we can win by connecting with and inspiring our customers around their passions by providing solutions and engaging experiences not just product and price transactions.”

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