British sales flat while US and Europe grow
Like-for-like sales at the UK outlets of US office supplies giant Staples remained flat in the fourth-quarter to January 28 2006, while sales across Europe rose 3 per cent, the best result since 2003. There were positive same-store sales in all countries except for the UK.

In 2006, Staples plans to open about 10 new European stores and Staples said that 'trends are improving sequentially' in the UK.

Total company sales for the fourth quarter grew 9 per cent to $4.5 billion compared with the same quarter of 2004. US retail sales increased 8 per cent and same store sales rose 3 per cent versus last year.

For fiscal year 2005, sales reached $16.1 billion, an 11 per cent increase compared to 2004. Like-for-like store sales increased 3 per cent for the year.

International operations demonstrated improved execution and marketing effectiveness, posting a 3.6 per cent operating margin in the fourth quarter.

For the year Staples opened 99 stores in North America, with 75 in the US and 24 in Canada. Of the US stores, 25 were opened in the Chicago market and the company said it plans further expansion in the area.

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