• Topps Tiles posts 4.9% rise in second-quarter like-for-likes
  • First-half sales advance to £108m
  • Topps says second-quarter sales dented between 0.3% and 0.6% by earlier Easter
  • But launch of new lines helps build further sales momentum

Topps Tiles accelerated its sales growth during the second quarter as the launch of new tile ranges gained traction among shoppers.

The retailer posted a 4.9% uplift in like-for-like sales during the quarter ending April 2, building on the 4.4% increase it unveiled during its first quarter.

Like-for-likes over the wider 26-week period were up 4.7% as revenues advanced to £108m, up from £104m year on year.

Despite posting another period of sales growth, Topps Tiles said the earlier fall of Easter dented second quarter sales by between 0.3% and 0.6%.

But the launch of 17 new tile ranges during the 13 weeks to April 2 contributed to the sales momentum.

Topps Tiles said that lines launched during the last 12 months have accounted for 8.7% of its overall sales.

Topps Tiles hailed “good progress” with its strategy of “out-specialising the specialists” during the second quarter, as the retailer completed the roll-out of its “inspirational” wall displays, replacing third-party stands in stores.

The retailer said the new walls “make the full range of products easier for customers to shop.”

Topps opened two net new stores during the quarter – opening four and closing two – taking its store estate to 342.

Chief executive Matthew Williams said: “I am pleased to report that the group has continued its encouraging trading performance, with like-for-like sales growth accelerating to 4.9% in the second quarter.

“Our strategy is continuing to deliver profitable sales growth and we enter the second half of our financial year in good shape, confident that our plans to extend the appeal of the Topps brand will underpin our further progress.”

Topps Tiles will unveil its interim results on May 24.

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