Recreational retailer Macpac has recorded a 2 per cent lift in total sales in the first 43 weeks of FY24, with its parent company Super Retail Group citing a strong performance in New Zealand where inbound travel boosted sales in key tourist destination stores.
This sales lift for Macpac increased to 3 per cent in the first six weeks of the second half of FY24.
This comes as Auckland Airport records double-digit jumps in international passenger counts year on year for the last three months. In January this year, total international passengers lifted by 79 per cent in a rolling 12 month total compared to the previous year.
In February, this was up by 64 per cent, and up by 51 per cent in March 2024.
Meanwhile, Super Retail’s other subsidiary Rebel recorded a sales fall of 2 per cent for the same period, driven by subdued demand for apparel across Australia. However, the group said the sporting business’ footwear sales improved following the introduction of new and expanded ranges, including French brand Hoka and Swiss brand On.
“Given current challenges around inflation and interest rates, our customers are managing their spending carefully and becoming increasingly value focused,” group CEO and MD Anthony Heraghty said.
“While store foot traffic and transaction volumes continue to grow, ongoing cost of living pressure is impacting number of items per sale.”
The group’s gross margin as a percentage in FY24 year-to-date is reportedly in line with gross margin delivered in the prior corresponding period.
The group has opened 20 stores and closed four stores in FY24 year-to-date. The Group expects to open a further seven stores prior to the end of FY24.