Sales rise at Carpetright
The UK and Republic of Ireland business has recorded a total sales increase in the period of 3.7%, with like for like store sales up by 1.9%
This compared to a decrease of 5.4% in the same period last year. Sales from net new space contributed growth of 3.6% although this was offset by the impact of the closure of the Allders concessions in February and March 2005. Gross margin has improved in line with our expectations and is expected to be up by at least 0.6% for the full year.
37 stores have opened since the end of October and 15 have been closed, including seven of the BHS concessions, taking the total number of stores to 437 including 36 concessions.
In Europe five stores opened, including Carpetright’s first Polish store in
Gdansk, and one closed in the period leaving the total at 97 stores.
Carpetright will open its second Polish store, in Warsaw, this week.
Lord Harris of Peckham, Chairman and Chief Executive, said ‘We are pleased with our current performance and have finished the year with a
period of more positive trading. Our new store opening programme is strong, both within the UK and Europe, while our expansion into Poland is particularly exciting. Whilst our markets remain challenging, we remain focused on delivering our outstanding combination of product, price and service to all our customers.’
