Super Retail Group, the Australian parent of Rebel Sport, BCF and MacPac, reported a group sales increase of 4 percent for the first 16 weeks of FY24 that began Aug. 1, and a year-over-year comparable sales increase of 2 percent against 20 percent growth in the same FY23 period. Online sales represented 11 percent of year-to-date revenues, the company said, adding its overall H1 sales will be “highly dependent” on results during the holiday season.
Rebel Sport, which generated A$1,3091.1 million (€842.1m) in FY23 sales, posted 2 percent sales growth for the first 16 weeks of FY24. Results were bolstered by its rebel rCX format and regional stores. The retailer, which is initiating a customer loyalty program shortly, will open a new flagship store in Melbourne, Australia, by Christmas.
At BCF, 16-week sales were up 11 percent year-over-year and 3 percent on a comparable basis. The improvement was driven by new stores and increased demand for boating, fishing, and water sports products.
Macpac year-over-year sales were down by 7 percent for the 16-week period and off 8 percent on a comparable basis. Sales in travel-related categories such as backpacks and luggage grew strongly, offset by lower revenues from insulation and rainwear products that were impacted by unseasonably warm weather in the region.
Super Retail Group expects its cost of doing business as a percentage of sales to rise in FY24. The group is targeting A$150 million (€89.7m) in capex costs this fiscal year to fund store development, a new national distribution center, enhancements to its customer loyalty programs, and improvements to its cyber, omni and digital capabilities.
