LONDON (Alliance News) - Shares in Bonmarche Holdings PLC, the mature-women's clothing retailer recently listed on AIM, were given a boost Thursday after the chain said that total sales rose by 6.3% for the quarter ended December 28, 2013, as online sales surged by almost 60%.
The UK clothing retailer for women over 50 years old, said that its most recent quarter, which included the Christmas period, was driven by multi-channel growth, and improvements to its autumn/winter clothing ranges.
"This is a result of investments we have made in improving the on-line shopping and fulfilment experiences, allowing customers to 'shop their way'," said Chief Executive Officer Beth Butterwick in a statement.
Bonmarche said that trading for the quarter was in line with expectations, with total sales up 6.3% for the 13 week quarter, and up 7.6% over the 5 week period ending December 28, 2013.
It said that the average number of stores open during the quarter, was lower than in the comparative period in 2012.
The group said that like-for-like sales from its stores only, rose by 4.7% for the 13 week period, and grew by 6.0% for the Christmas trading period.
Meanwhile its online business saw sales soar during the quarter, up 61% for the 13-week period, and up more than 70% for the five-week Christmas period.
"Combining online sales growth with the like-for-like figure, raises the quarter's figure to 7% and December's to 8.4%," said Bonmarche.
Bonmarche's initial public offering in November raised GBP40 million. Shares in Bonmarche were up 3.3% at 279.90 pence per share Thursday morning. They are up 40% from their IPO price of 200p.
By Rowena Harris-Doughty; rowenaharrisdoughty@alliancenews.com; @rharrisdoughty
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