In 2021, the closures of major cities in Australia, including Melbourne and Sydney, have affected the sales of Super Retail Group’s businesses.
Super Retail Group is also the owner of the Macpac outdoor clothing chain. This is a large segment of the New Zealand retail market.
Super Retail Group says the group’s warehouses and distribution centers have been full due to the disruptions caused by the rising costs and global supply chain movements.
Online sales at Super Retail Group have jumped 30 per cent in the first 16 weeks of the year, with Click & Collect now accounting for 59 per cent of all sales.
Super Retail Group, is expecting a strong recovery in sales over the summer months, as the company builds up its inventory levels to avoid potential shortages.
With a strong inventory position, the group is well-placed to benefit from the expected uptick in demand for various categories during the summer holiday season.
The rising costs and uncertainty around international shipping have become increasingly alarming for stores like Super Retail Group and The Reject Shop.
Like-for-like sales at Super Retail Group were down 12 per cent for the first 16 weeks of the year, but this is still better than the same period a year ago.
Super Retail Group said that click and collect sales grew by 163 per cent in the 1st 16 weeks of 2021.
Gross margin has improved for the first 16 weeks this financial year, though they might come under pressure later due to uncertainties in the supply chain.
Like-for-like sales at Supercheap Auto were down 13 per cent in the first 16 weeks of the year, while those at Rebel and BCF were down 10 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.
Autobarn, which is owned by Bapcor, has also been experiencing a sales decline due to frequent lockdowns. Like-for-like sales in its stores were down 16 per cent in the September quarter.
Stores like Cotton On who have a strong online presence are doing well. To save on your online shop at Cotton On use a Cotton On coupon code.