14/01/2002
GUS gains boost from Argos Christmas sales
Retail group GUS has received a boost thanks to strong Christmas sales at its Argos catalogue store chain, as recent figures reveal.
Same-store sales for Argos jumped 14 per cent over the 14 weeks up to January 5 when compared to the same period last year, as shoppers rushed to buy electrical goods, furniture and toys in the run-up to Christmas.
"Against the background of current economic conditions, GUS has made further good progress in the third quarter, highlighted by Argos," said GUS Chief Executive John Peace, in a statement.
However, while the sales growth at Argos was almost double what most analysts had been anticipating, there were also noticeable weaknesses in other areas of the GUS group, most notably the luxury Burberry brand.
The brand put in a weak performance, with underlying sales falling by 2 per cent over the three months up to December 31. Demand for the brand seemed to have slowed down in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, as people turned away from luxury goods. GUS is planning to partially float the Burberry business later this year.
GUS' credit-checking business, Experian, also saw a drop-off in US trade, following September 11. Although Experian recorded a solid 5 per cent rise in business, the latest figures showed growth in the company's North American business was slower than anywhere else. While worldwide sales grew 5 per cent on an underlying basis, in North America they grew by only 2 per cent.
A note from Credit Suisse First Boston stated: "GUS' Q3 trading statement was a mixed bag. Argos surprised on the upside, but Burberry disappointed and the commentary on Experian was far from encouraging." (KMcA)
Same-store sales for Argos jumped 14 per cent over the 14 weeks up to January 5 when compared to the same period last year, as shoppers rushed to buy electrical goods, furniture and toys in the run-up to Christmas.
"Against the background of current economic conditions, GUS has made further good progress in the third quarter, highlighted by Argos," said GUS Chief Executive John Peace, in a statement.
However, while the sales growth at Argos was almost double what most analysts had been anticipating, there were also noticeable weaknesses in other areas of the GUS group, most notably the luxury Burberry brand.
The brand put in a weak performance, with underlying sales falling by 2 per cent over the three months up to December 31. Demand for the brand seemed to have slowed down in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, as people turned away from luxury goods. GUS is planning to partially float the Burberry business later this year.
GUS' credit-checking business, Experian, also saw a drop-off in US trade, following September 11. Although Experian recorded a solid 5 per cent rise in business, the latest figures showed growth in the company's North American business was slower than anywhere else. While worldwide sales grew 5 per cent on an underlying basis, in North America they grew by only 2 per cent.
A note from Credit Suisse First Boston stated: "GUS' Q3 trading statement was a mixed bag. Argos surprised on the upside, but Burberry disappointed and the commentary on Experian was far from encouraging." (KMcA)
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02 April 2002
CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong
Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey. The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.
CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong
Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey. The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.
22 March 2002
Figures show retails sales on the rise
UK retails sales have exceeded analysts' forecasts, according to the latest official figures which show sales volumes growing at their fastest rate since January 2000. The data from the Office for National Statistics details that retails sales grew by 1.
Figures show retails sales on the rise
UK retails sales have exceeded analysts' forecasts, according to the latest official figures which show sales volumes growing at their fastest rate since January 2000. The data from the Office for National Statistics details that retails sales grew by 1.
15 January 2002
Tesco fail to match Sainsbury over Christmas period
Figures from Tesco have revealed that its Christmas sales growth failed to match that of archrival J. Sainsbury. Excluding takings from petrol stations, Tesco reported a 6.2 per cent rise in UK Christmas sales for the seven weeks ending on January 5 - compared to that of Sainsbury’s who had a rise of 6.8 per cent.
Tesco fail to match Sainsbury over Christmas period
Figures from Tesco have revealed that its Christmas sales growth failed to match that of archrival J. Sainsbury. Excluding takings from petrol stations, Tesco reported a 6.2 per cent rise in UK Christmas sales for the seven weeks ending on January 5 - compared to that of Sainsbury’s who had a rise of 6.8 per cent.
03 August 2001
Unilever announce first-half profit increase
Consumer goods giant Unilever have announced a 7 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profits. For the second quarter, Unilever, the name behind some of the best-known products on supermarket shelves - such as Persil detergent, Flora margarine and Dove soap - reported a higher than expected 54 per cent hike in profits.
Unilever announce first-half profit increase
Consumer goods giant Unilever have announced a 7 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profits. For the second quarter, Unilever, the name behind some of the best-known products on supermarket shelves - such as Persil detergent, Flora margarine and Dove soap - reported a higher than expected 54 per cent hike in profits.
20 August 2019
NI Sights Showcased To Global Travel Brands
Local tourism, hospitality and entertainment facilities are being showcased to sales teams from across the globe this week as The Travel Corporation (TTC) brings its conference to Belfast.
NI Sights Showcased To Global Travel Brands
Local tourism, hospitality and entertainment facilities are being showcased to sales teams from across the globe this week as The Travel Corporation (TTC) brings its conference to Belfast.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.