Outerwear business Macpac has delivered strong results for Super Retail Group, the business has revealed in a trading update.
The brand, which suffered under mandated store closures and recorded a 15.3% decline in like-for-like sales in the first half, has since bounced back, recording a 17% lift in like-for-like sales in the first 44 weeks of FY21.
"I am pleased to report that the Group has delivered strong Easter trading across all brands, particularly BCF and Macpac," CEO Anthony Heraghty said.
Sister business, Rebel also saw an increase during the period, recording a 20% lift in like-for-like sales.
However, the highlight brand during the period was BCF, which clocked up a 59% increase in like-for-like sales.
Overall, Super Retail Group recorded a 28% increase in like-for-like sales during the first 44 weeks of FY21.
Heraghty added that reduced promotions and a strong inventory position have contributed to the Group's success in the period.
"Given the continued strength of customer demand, the Group has maintained relatively subdued levels of promotional activity in the second half.
"As a result, the gross margin improvement which the Group delivered in the first half has been maintained in the second half.
"The Group is in a well-stocked inventory position, which has benefitted from the arrival of orders made in the first half.
"Higher shipping costs in the second half have impacted inventory costs but these have been partly offset by favourable currency movements.
"As previously advised, second half operating expenses will reflect catch-up on projects deferred during COVID-19 and increased reinvestment in the business," he said.
To offer the market a more complete picture of its trading position, the business has also begun comparing its results to both FY20 and FY19 to give a comparison against non-COVID conditions.
When compared to FY19, Rebel recorded a 19% increase and Macpac recorded a 3% lift in like-for-like sales.
Compared to FY19, the Group as a whole recorded a 26% increase in like-for-like sales for the period.