Time to get in at SIGNET

LONDON (AFX) - Goldsmiths Group PLC, the jewellery retailer, said
like-for-like sales were flat in the four weeks to Christmas Eve, with total
sales for the period showing a rise of 1.1 pct.
Sales for the year to Dec 24 were up 4.8 pct in total and 4 pct on a
like-for-like basis.
Chairman and chief executive Jurek Piasecki said: "In view of the last three
years' very strong like-for-like performances (up 47.3 pct over the three years)
we consider this year's result to be extremely creditable in a tough retail
environment."
He said 2002 had started strongly but slowed in May and this trend continued
through the course of the year.
"November was disappointing with sales being fractionally down on the
previous year. December started very slowly but, with a late rush on the two
days before Christmas, much of the deficit was clawed back," he said.
Geographically, the London Area performed worst with the M62 corridor
performing best and both sales volumes and average prices were in line with last
year, he added.
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