Owners of The Athletes Foot and Shoe Superstore, RCG Corporation posted a 30 per cent gain on profits for the June 2010 – June 2011 financial year.
NPAT was $8.9 million, up from $6.9 million, reflecting positive sales growth of 58 per cent in Shoe Superstore and 7.3 per cent in The Athletes Foot footwear retail outlets.
During the year, the group opened six new The Athletes Foot stores and expanded 12 existing stores, as well as opening an additional two Shoe Superstore outlets.
Online sales for Shoe Superstore rose by 40 per cent, with July 2011 sales up 64 per cent on the prior year.
The group is currently rejuvenating it's online Shoe Superstore portal and planning to relaunch the site in Christmas this year.
RCG Corporation Chairman, Ivan Hammerschlag said the website overhaul will provide further opportunities expansion and give the group a competitive edge over other footwear retailers.
“We are enthusiastic about the opportunities for the business once the e-commerce and online customer loyalty functionality is delivered. With its large store network and a brand now synonymous with quality and service, we believe that no business in our sector is better placed to execute a multi-channel strategy.”
The group plans to open 6 – 8 new Shoe Superstore outlets in 2012, of which at least half are expected to be in new markets, including Melbourne and Newcastle.