Interim Management Statement
Key Points for the 15-week Period
· Cycling: significant growth across the board including an excellent performance from Accessories and Children's bikes
· Car Maintenance: strong sales of Workshop tools partially offset by subdued demand for parts and winter products. Fitting of parts reached record levels despite the mild weather conditions
· Car Enhancement: improved year-on-year Car Cleaning performance outweighed by an increased decline in Sat Nav
· Travel Solutions: seasonal and kids' offers resonated well, accompanied by growth in Travel Equipment
· Online Retail: sales grew by 13.8%, with online representing a record 11.7% of total Retail sales
· Autocentres: improved LfL performance with a further four centres opened; new MD of Autocentres appointed
Financial Position and Outlook
There has been no material change in the Group's financial position which remains sound.
Whilst the mix of sales in the period towards Cycling will have adversely influenced the Retail gross-margin performance, our expectations and all guidance for the full year remain unchanged.