Chief executive Mark Powell said Rugby World Cup merchandise contributed to the increase in sales for the three months to October 30, but signs of an underlying improvement in core categories had also started to emerge.
The Warehouse Group has reported group first quarter sales of $370.4 million, a 2.2% rise on the same period last year.
Chief executive Mark Powell said Rugby World Cup merchandise contributed to the increase in sales for the three months to October 30, but signs of an underlying improvement in core categories had also started to emerge.
“Although early days, we are starting to see customers respond positively to our fresh store programme, modular category upgrades and the significant reinvestment we've made in store labour.”
However, while early indicators were encouraging, Mr Powell said driving sales while maintaining margins was still a key challenge for management.
When the numbers are broken down, The Warehouse reported sales of $323.1% for the quarter, a 2.3% rise on the same quarter last year.
Warehouse Stationery reported sales of $47.3 million, a 1.7% increase on the corresponding period of 1.7%.
Mr Powell was pleased with the Warehouse Stationery result, as the office products market was subdued.
The company was optimistic about its prospects in the medium term but economic conditions were expected to remain volatile in the short term, which meant retail trading conditions would remain uncertain, he said.
