SuperGroup first quarter sales jump reflects brand's 'enduring appeal'

Total retail sales increased 17.6% to £53.2m in the period while group sales soared 25.7% to £75m. SuperGroup said it was “a solid trading performance that was in line with management expectations”.

The owner of trendy fashion brand Superdry opened a store in Gatwick North during the quarter and upsized its shop in Silverburn shopping centre, Glasgow. Since the quarter end, four further UK stores have opened adding about 21,000 sq ft to the portfolio. 

SuperGroup also opened 14 franchised stores, bringing the total to 154. Franchised shops opened in France, Italy, Spain, India, Austria, Monaco, the Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan.

During the quarter, SuperGroup revealed it had signed exclusive master franchise agreements with two new partners - FJ Benjamin in Malaysia and Singapore and Demsa Group in Turkey.

Dunkerton said: “We have started the year in fine form and have continued to build momentum in both the retail and wholesale divisions. The spring/summer 2013 ranges have performed well across all channels with further progress made in womenswear.

“I am particularly pleased with the strong growth in the autumn/winter order book which demonstrates further evidence of the continued improvement in our ranges and the enduring appeal of our brand.

“Whilst there is still much to do this year, this performance coupled with our continuing international expansion, in particular the signing of the two new major partners, gives me confidence in our ability to continue to meet expectations as we head into the autumn period.”