Blacks Leisure sales on target
Late trading keeps outdoor retailer waiting
January 19 2004
Outdoor and boardwear clothing retailer Blacks Leisure joined other UK retailers in waiting until the last minute for Christmas sales, but ultimately turned in a satisfactory trading performance.
Like-for-like retail sales in the seven weeks to January 10 were up 7.7 per cent, with total retail sales including new stores up 22 per cent. Blacks said Christmas trading came late, with sales in the week before Christmas week and good demand for the post-Christmas sale producing a strong overall performance.
In the 19 weeks to January 10, like-for-like retail sales were up 4.8 per cent, and total retail sales increased by 19.1 per cent. Blacks now trades from 392 outlets: 251 Millets, 72 Blacks, 40 Free Spirit, 15 O’Neill and 14 Just Add Water stores.
The company has also announced a new finance director, with Peter Hartley to succeed Andy Hall from March 1.
Roy Crosland chief executive said: “Although Christmas trade was late in coming, an exceptionally strong performance in the days running up to Christmas and a very successful sale have enabled the Group to achieve its trading objectives for the peak season as a whole.
“Having secured this successful outcome we now expect to achieve a satisfactory result for the full year.”
