Super Retail Group's (SRG) sporting goods and apparel retailer Rebel has revealed the impact reduced footfall in CBDs and large shopping centres had on its sales.
In its first half results for FY22, Rebel's reported that total sales declined by 2.9% to $605.6 million in the period.
Adjusted for Boxing Day, Rebel's like-for-like sales also declined, slipping 5.4% on the prior corresponding period (pcp).
Rebel reports that the peak Christmas trade was affected by the reduced footfall and delayed shipments, which impacted the availability of new stock from key brands.
However, when looking at the results on a two-year basis, both total sales like-for-like sales increased.
On a two-year basis, Rebel's total sales lifted 11.6%, while like-for-like sales increased 10.9%.
Additionally, Rebel witnessed a strong rebound in sales during the second quarter, with like-for-like sales down 0.3% in the final 10 weeks.
SRG CEO and Group MD Anthony Heraghty said the business is pleased with its results, despite the challenges it faced in the half.
"After COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted trade in the first quarter, we delivered a fast finish to the half, achieving a record second quarter sales result.
"Our omni-retail ability and execution has been key to meeting consumer demand, underpinning a record digital sales performance driven by uptake in click-and-collect," he said.
Across the group, online sales jumped 64% to $389 million, click-and-collect sales lifted 109%, while active club members increased 22% to 8.7 million.
As Heraghty highlighted, digital sales were strong throughout the SRG portfolio, with Rebel's eCommerce sales booming during the half.
The retailer recorded a 56% lift in online sales to $184.7 million.
So strong were Rebel's eCommerce sales, they accounted for a third (31%) of its total sales during the half.
Rebel reported that segment normalised profit before tax of $68.3 million declined by 29.9% on a one-year basis but was 32.1% higher on a two-year basis.