Department store giant Myer has confirmed a sales lift for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, some consolation amidst the recent exodus of designer brands to rival David Jones.
The company revealed a rise in third quarter total sales, for the thirteen weeks to April 27, 2013 of $652.5 million, up 0.5 percent compared to last year.
On a comparable store sales basis, sales were also up, 0.4 percent compared to last year, representing the fourth consecutive quarter of positive comparable store sales growth for the retailer.
Key categories of Menswear, Cosmetics, Womenswear, and Childrenswear were again the strongest performers during the quarter. The best performing states were Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Sales in Myer Exclusive Brands and concessions continued to grow during the quarter, according to the company.
Despite the positive results, Myer CEO Bernie Brookes said that, in line with commentary provided in March, the business remains cautious about the outlook for retail trading.
“Notwithstanding the external factors influencing consumer confidence and discretionary spend, we remain focused on executing our well-established five-point strategic plan, and continue to make progress on all five pillars.
"These are improving customer service, enhancing our merchandise offer, optimising our store network, strengthening our loyalty program and building a leading omni-channel offer,” he said.
Brookes added that Myer has “a number of planned improvements and tier enhancements” in the pipeline to strengthen its loyalty program, with developments to be implemented during the remainder of this year.
He said building the company's omni-channel offer also continues as a priority, with Myer “looking forward to the upcoming implementation of a new order management system that will deliver real productivity benefits to the business and an improved experience for customers”.
Three of Myer's top 20 stores are also currently under refurbishment at Indooroopilly (Queensland), Adelaide City (South Australia) and Miranda (New South Wales).
As previously reported in ragtrader.com.au, department store giant David Jones recently revealed a raft of new brands set to join its fold, with several defecting from retail rival Myer.
The fresh additions, a mix of international and national brands, are set to join the David Jones business in August 2013, on a department store exclusive basis.