Agenda: Carpetright, Joules, Dixons Carphone, Sports Direct and Ocado

Carpetright

Carpetright will issue interim results on Tuesday, December 12.

Chief executive Wilf Walsh was optimistic at the end of the last financial year, despite profits tumbling 93%.

The flooring specialist has been busy revamping its 419 stores and transforming the customer service in a bid to counteract difficult trading conditions and fend off the threat of new rival Tapi.

At a second-quarter update in October, Walsh warned that while full-year profits were expected to be in line with predictions, first-half profits would fall below the levels of the previous year.

Joules

Joules, which floated in 2016, will also update the market on Tuesday.

The distinctive fashion and lifestyle retailer has outperformed rivals in the sector since making its stock market debut, posting a 34% spike in full-year pre-tax profits.

Total sales jumped almost 20% to £157m during the period, and the business gained momentum overseas – its international division grew 36%.

Since year end, Joules further expanded its product range by collaborating with sofa specialist DFS.

Dixons Carphone

Electricals giant Dixons Carphone will unveil its interim results on Wednesday, December 13.

Since reporting record full-year profits of more than half a billion pounds, the retailer has faced more challenging conditions.

It issued a profit warning earlier this year, citing a slowing UK mobile phone market with consumers holding onto handsets for longer or opting for sim-only contracts.

What’s more, a stagnating housing market has dampened the demand for white goods.

Investors will look to see how chief executive Seb James has responded to these trends and will be interested to hear if its elongated Black Friday event was a success.

Sports Direct

Sports Direct has interim results on Thursday, December 14.

Being the first update since the Mike Ashley-owned retailer unveiled its strategy to become the ‘Selfridges of Sport’, investors will be keen to learn how this is progressing.

At its preliminary results earlier this year, profits plunged almost 60%.

The business received criticism from MPs during the year over its use of zero-hour contracts and working conditions at its Shirebrook warehouse, which has been likened to a “Victorian workhouse”.

Last month, it emerged that Sports Direct was the frontrunner to buy London’s Brixton market, and Ashley caused controversy over a request to pay his brother £11m.

Ocado

Ocado will issue a fourth-quarter trading update on Thursday.

The online grocer’s share price rocketed last month after it lifted the lid on its long-awaited international deal with French retailer Casino.

Sales rose more than 14% in its third quarter as Ocado scaled up its fulfilment centres. Average orders per week also jumped 16%, although customers bought less.