Sales rise at Argos
Argos total sales up 14 per cent of which new stores contributed 7 per cent. Sales ordered over the Internet for delivery to home rose by 46 per cent
Like-for-like sales increased by 7 per cent. Consumer electronics performed strongly, especially in flat panel TV packages and set top boxes in the lead up to and during the World Cup. Argos Direct, the delivery to home operation, grew sales by 10% in the first quarter and accounted for 25% of Argos’ revenue. Within this, sales ordered over the Internet for delivery to home rose by 46 per cent, representing 8 per cent of total revenue.
An additional 10 per cent of sales were reserved by phone or the Internet for later collection in store (the service known as Check and Reserve), which was 69% ahead of the same period last year.
[b]Homebase[/b] – Sales at Homebase decreased in the four months to 30 June 2006 by 1 per cent in total,of which 4% came from new stores. Homebase opened three stores in the quarter bringing the total at 30 June 2006 to 300, of which 151 had a mezzanine floor. Like-for-like sales declined by 5 per cent. Although kitchens and furniture showed strong growth, core DIY and decorating ranges remained weak. Experian – In the three months to 30 June 2006, Experian grew its sales from continuing activities by 21 per cent. John Peace, Group Chief Executive of GUS, said ‘We are pleased with the progress of both ARG and Experian in the first quarter of our new financial year, each of which is trading in line with expectations.Both businesses have clear strategies for growth, putting them in good shape for their future as independent companies.’
