Johannesburg - Clicks Group [JSE:CLS] has reported an 11.7%
rise in group turnover to R5.97bn for the 18 weeks to December 30 2012 as
consumer spending remained muted.
Selling price inflation averaged 2.2% for the period‚ the
retailer said in a trading update on Wednesday.
The Clicks chain grew turnover by 8.0%‚ with dispensary
sales growing by 9.0% and front shop sales by 7.6%. Comparable sales grew by
5.3% with selling price inflation of 2.6%.
Musica increased same stores sales by 8.2%. Turnover was
impacted by the closure of a further seven stores during the period and total
sales increased by 1.0%.
The Body Shop grew sales by 10.2% and in comparable stores
by 6.8%.
Total retail sales increased by 7.3% and by 5.5% on a
comparable store basis‚ with inflation of 2.8%.
UPD benefited from its growing distribution business and
increased turnover by 20.3%.
Chief executive David Kneale said: "The trend of
consumers delaying their purchases until closer to Christmas continued while
consumers were increasingly value conscious this festive season."
Clicks Group’s results for the six months to 28 February
2013 will be released on or about 25 April 2013.
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