Electrocomponents quarterly sales up a touch

Electronics and maintenance products supplier Electrocomponents said first quarter underlying group sales inched higher and while market conditions remain subdued, it expects to make progress towards medium-term performance goals.Underlying sales grew 1% for the quarter ended June 30th 2013, International grew by 2% and the UK declined by 3%."The change in the UK sales performance from being flat in the first seven weeks of the quarter is due to the phasing of Raspberry Pi sales in the prior year. UK sales growth excluding Raspberry Pi was similar across the quarter, declining around 3%," the group explained.Within International both Continental Europe and North America grew by 3% and Asia Pacific declined by 1%. eCommerce sales grew faster than the group as a whole after Electrocomponents invested in website functionality. eCommerce, which made up 56% of total revenues during the quarter, rose 6%. Chief Executive Ian Mason said: "Whilst mindful of challenging economic conditions, the implementation of our global strategy is underway and we continue to expect to make progress towards our medium-term performance goals."CJ