NATIONAL: Department store David Jones is set to capitalise on the Christmas trading period, following a sales growth of 9.7 per cent in the first quarter of the 2008 financial year.
The listed company today reported sales revenue of $471.9 million for 19 July 2007 to October 2007, a swell on the same period last year which saw David Jones take in $430.3 million.
Chief executive officer Mark McInnes said the company would further profit from the holiday trading season, cycling a "very high" second quarter like-for-like base of 8.9 per cent.
"We are well prepared to continue the David Jones tradition as the leading gift giving destination for the important Christmas trading period and for the subsequent Clearance period in the second quarter 2008.
In addition, we are well positioned to capitalise on the expected strong consumer sentiment throughout calendar 2008."
McInnes said the opening of a new flagship QueensPlaza store in Brisbane would also enhance the company's performance in fiscal 2008.
PIC: WENDELL TEODORO