Judging by the performace of the Briscoe Group of NZ, the retailing industry there was only slightly better during 2007. Managing Director Rod Duke said “challenging trading conditions that prevailed for retailers”. The Group announced sales for the 3 months to 27th Jan at 5.01% Higher.
Homeware sales (including Briscoes Homeware, Urban Loft and Living & Giving) increased 6.29% to $89.7 million and sporting goods sales rose 2.24% to $40.2million.

Sales Growth has come from expansion in the homewares sector. The group opened two new Living & Giving stores during the quarter bringing the total number of homeware stores to 54. Sporting goods stores, under their Rebels Sports banner, remain at 32 stores. On a same store basis, the group’s sales for the quarter were 0.01% above those for the fourth quarter of last year. Homeware on a same stores sales basis increased 4.26% compared with the twelve months of last year, while sporting goods sales decreased by 1.12%.