• Like-for-likes up 6.2% in 13 weeks to July 2
  • Rise comes against tough comparables
  • Quarters one and two also showed strong like-for-like growth

Topps Tiles has reported a rise in like-for-likes in its third quarter, saying it is “confident in [its] ability to outperform the market”.

The tile specialist posted an increase of 6.2% against tough comparables in the 13 weeks to July 2.

This comes after healthy like-for-likes rises in its first and second quarters, also against tough comparables.

It is however the first quarter this year in which like-for-like growth has exceeded last year’s progress, although Topps Tiles said its second and third quarters had been affected by an early Easter this year.

Topps Tiles said it was making good progress in its strategy of “out-specialising the specialists” by focusing on inspiring shoppers, range enhancements and convenience.

Chief executive Matthew Williams said: “Our focus on the successful strategy of ‘Out Specialising the Specialists’ has enabled us to deliver healthy like-for-like sales growth of 6.2% in the third quarter, with initiatives to extend the appeal of the Topps brand continuing to attract new customers.

“While it is currently too early to ascertain the implications of the result of the UK referendum, we remain confident in the longer term outlook for our business and in our ability to outperform the market.”

The specialist opened six stores in its core estate during the quarter, bringing it to 348 stores, including 15 boutique stores, which focus on attracting a younger, more urban customer base.

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