Carpetright has recorded a 5.6% rise in UK retail like-for-like sales in the fourth quarter as the cold weather and store refurbishment programme drew custom.
The flooring specialist said total group sales in the 12 weeks to April 20 rose 2.1% year on year held back by its underperforming Dutch business.
Carpetright said its overall UK like-for-likes would have grown by 6.7% when exlcuding the impact of its wholesale arm. Total UK sales rose 4.4%.
Chief executive Darren Shapland said: “While the recent cold spring weather has been positive to our sales, we believe this performance reflects the continued success of our programme of self-help initiatives.
“These include the ongoing programme of store refurbishments, the introduction of our improved laminate range to more stores, the development of our bed business and the increased use of digital media.”
The retailer said 180 of its 477 stores have now been refurbished.
Like-for-like sales in the Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland decreased by 10.2% while total sales also declined by 10.2% due to poor trading in the Netherlands. However, Carpetright said actions taken in the country have led to profitability.
Shapland added: “The group result for the year to date is in line with management’s expectations and while trading conditions remain challenging, we have good momentum with our self-help initiatives that we believe will carry onto the new financial year.”
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