Department store Myer has confirmed a subtle lift in sales for the first quarter of 2014.
The retailer achieved first quarter total sales for the 13 weeks to October 26, 2013 of $691.1 million, up 0.44 per cent compared to last year.
On a comparable store sales basis, sales were up 0.41 percent compared to last year.
Key categories of cosmetics, youth, womenswear and menswear were singled out as the strongest performers during the quarter.
Sales in Myer Exclusive Brands and concessions were also positive. Specifically, Myer Exclusive Brands which performed best during the period included: Piper, Trent Nathan, Australian House & Garden, Chloe & Lola, Bauhaus and Blaq.
Leading fashion business, such as sass & bide, also experienced good sales growth during the period, according to Myer.
Swimwear brand, Seafolly – which joined Myer's portfolio in June 2013 – also earned an honourable mention.
“Seafolly, which has been a department store exclusive since June 2013, has exceeded expectations and we anticipate a continued strong performance from this leading swimwear brand as the summer season continues.”
Commenting on the results, Myer CEO Bernie Brookes said that the first quarter sales figures were solid, particularly given the “significant impact on sales” caused by the refurbishment of three of its top 20 stores.
“We are pleased with this sales result which is in line with our expectations and gives us early encouragement that we are well positioned to make the most of our busiest time of year during the Christmas and stocktake trading period,” Brookes said.
“Whilst trading prior to the federal election was subdued, the trend improved modestly during the quarter and has been less volatile than in the months prior to the election, but continues to be patchy.
“This result demonstrates the progress we are making in strengthening our competitive position through the execution of our five point plan,” he said.
Going forward, Brookes said that while trading conditions are expected to remain competitive throughout the fiscal year 2014, he is confident in the strength of the Myer brand and team.
“We are ready to deliver a wonderful Christmas experience across all channels with a great merchandise offering, an exciting new advertising campaign, vibrant and festive stores and a team that loves to celebrate the season with our customers.
“Our online fulfilment distribution centre, which has been built to distribute our 15,000 best selling online SKUs, opened in October, significantly transforming our online fulfilment capability and will underpin the online store?s ability to meet projected volumes during the upcoming peak trading period.,” he said.
Brookes also alluded to the impending addition of several new brands in the coming months, including: Peter Alexander (sleepwear), Baker by Ted Baker (childrenswear), Superdry (menswear), Sophie Hulme (handbags), Montique (womenswear) and Simon Johnson Food (general merchandise).