Robust performance from GUS
GUS confident that all it’s businesses have clear strategies to deliver sustainable long-term growth
Argos increased its sales by 2 per cent in total in the first quarter. New stores contributed 6 per cent while like-for-like sales declined by 4 per cent. At 30 June 2005 Argos traded from 601 stores, with nine new stores opened in the quarter.
Argos Direct grew its sales by 6 per cent in the first quarter and accounted for 26 per cent of Argos’ revenue. Online sales increased by 24 per cent representing 7 per cent of total revenue. A further 6per cent of total sales was derived from Argos’ ‘Check and Reserve’ multi-channel ordering facilities.
The acquisition of 33 Index stores will completes tomorrow (21 July 2005), enabling them to be re-fitted and re-branded during August and September.
[img r]homebasenew1.jpg[/img]In the four months to 30 June 2005, sales at Homebase increased by 1per cent in total.
New stores contributed 3 per cent while like-for-like sales declined by 2 per cent. At 30 June 2005, Homebase traded from 288 stores, of which 122 had a mezzanine floor.
The group also announced that the demerger of its remaining 66 per cent stake in Burberry Group PLC, the luxury goods brand, is expected to take place in December, after the release of Burberry’s interim results in November.
