New Zealand-born outdoor apparel brand Macpac has reported a 4.2 per cent fall in its like-for-like sales in the second half of FY26.
The brand’s parent company Super Retail Group confirmed this in its trading update this morning, which shows Macpac’s second-half trading slip followed a 7.8 per cent increase in like-for-like sales in the first half.
For the full year, Macpac total sales lifted by 3.5 per cent to $239.5 million, with total like-for-like growth across the year up just 1.5 per cent.
Like-for-like sales grew 3.7 per cent in New Zealand, and 0.3 per cent in Australia. Subdued demand in New South Wales and Victoria was offset by robust growth outside of those states, Super Retail added.
“After a strong first nine months, extended mild winter conditions moderated demand during the peak trading season late in the period. Baselayers, midlayers, and tops & tees were among the strongest-performing categories.
“Demand for insulation products was subdued, reflecting the milder winter conditions late in the period.”
Despite the overall sales lifted, the brand’s gross margin declined by 30 basis points, due largely to clearance activity in the first quarter.
Cost of doing business as a percentage of sales declined by 150 bps, with Super Retail citing a strong focus on managing costs and a reduction in network activity.
Near the bottom line, the segment’s profit before tax grew by 32 per cent to $13.6 million. Profit before tax margin increased by 120 basis points to 5.7 per cent.
“The AUD:NZD exchange rate increased by 13 per cent throughout the year, creating a headwind to the translation of revenue and profits from New Zealand operations,” Super Retail reported. “Profit before tax growth at constant currency was 44.7 per cent.”
Macpac’s active club membership grew 13 per cent and represented 80 per cent of retail sales. Online sales of $40 million represented 16 per cent of total sales.
Macpac opened four stores and closed four, resulting in 103 stores at period end.