DJ's sales growth

David Jones has announced sales growth of $607.3 million for the second quarter of the 2007 financial year (October 29, 2006 to January 27 2007) representing 8.9 per cent growth on the previous corresponding period, with womenswear, menswear, accessories, footwear and cosmetics proving the star performers. Sales grew by 7.8 per cent in the first half of FY07 from $962.6 million in 1H06 to $1037.6 million in 1H07, confirmed CEO Mark McInnes. "We are delighted with our strong sales performance in 2Q07, in particular throughout the critical Christmas and clearance trading periods. This is the first time in our company's history that we have reported more than $1 billion of sales revenue in a six month trading period," he said.

Special performance
Specialty Fashion Group - parent company of fashion brands Katie's, Millers Fashion Club, Crossroads, Autograph and Big City Chic - has announced a net profit after tax of $18.5 million for the six months ended 31 December 2006, a 10 per cent increase on the previous corresponding period. Revenues for the six month period were $269 million, a 0.3 per cent improvement on the previous corresponding period, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, impairment and amortisation (EBITDA) were $30.4 million compared to the previous corresponding result of $32 million. At December 31, 2006 store numbers had reached 736, although the purchase of value family fashion retailer Chain Reaction - effective January 1 2007 - has added 42 more stores to the mix.

Just Group standout
Just Group has released results for the financial year 2005 to 2006 showing a net profit after tax of $57.2 million, up 24.6 per cent on the previous corresponding period. Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation were $88.3 million, an increase of 21.2 per cent, while sales of $698 million compared with $632.8 million showing a 10.3 per cent increase. Just Group chairman Jonathan Pinshaw said consistency was the most satisfying aspect of the result. "We had two good halves, all brands contributed well and we performed strongly on a geographic basis with both our Australian and New Zealand businesses making excellent contributions."

Rebel yell
The Rebel Sport group's statutory sales revenue for the half year to the end of December 2006 increased by 14.5 per cent to $210.5 million when compared to the previous corresponding period, including sales revenue from the Glue lifestyle stores. Sales on a same store basis increased by 11.1 per cent. During the six months to December 31, 2006 Rebel Sport opened a further two stores in Macquarie Shopping Centre and Wagga Wagga (NSW), bringing the group's total number of outlets to 63 Rebel Sport stores and 10 Glue stores.