LONDON (AFX) - United Carpets Group plc, a chain of specialist retail carpet
and floor covering stores in the UK, said like for like sales since the end of
September are up 13.0 pct, further improving from a strong first half.
In the six months to Sept 30 the group's like for like sales were up 11.6
pct year-on-year and total turnover had increased by 17.4 pct to 8.97 mln stg
from 7.64 mln.
Pretax profit grew to 406,000 stg from 380,000 stg.
Chief executive Paul Eyre said the group's overall performance was lifted by
a slightly improved trading environment as well as the introduction of a number
of new franchisees.
The group will continue to roll out its franchise concept in the second half
of the year on a measured basis, he added.
"We believe the business now has a much firmer foundation on which to grow
and we are increasing our focus on strengthening the retail offering and
expanding the marketing programme, while continuing to address trading issues in
a small number of stores."
Eyre also commented on the group's beds business, which he said is not
performing to its potential. Eyre said the management team are working closely
with franchisees to better integrate the sales of beds with floor coverings,
reviewing the sales space allocated to beds and training sales staff.
Chairman Peter Cowgill added that the board has been encouraged by the
start to the second half, together with the success of the actions that have
been taken to underpin the foundations of the business and believes the group is
well positioned to meet its expectations.
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