MOSB.L Regulatory News (MOSB)

3 Feb 2005 07:00

Moss Bros Group PLC03 February 2005 PRE-CLOSE STATEMENT Moss Bros Group PLC, the UK menswear retailer, today reports on trading ahead ofentering a close period for the financial year ended 29 January 2005. • Like for like sales for the full year ended 29 January 2005 were up 9% on last year. • Like for like sales were up 10% for the 26 weeks ended 29 January 2005. Each of the three core fascia achieved sales growth in the second half with like for like sales at Moss up 9%, Cecil Gee up 10% and Hugo Boss up 15%. • The Company traded in line with plan over the key last 9 weeks of the year with like for like sales up 7% and gross margin a full percentage point up on last year. Philip Mountford, Chief Executive, commented: "The Company continued to make good progress in the second half, with like forlike sales for the year up by 9% and each of our three core fascia deliveringsales growth. The Company has benefitted from improved product and increasedservice levels in stores. Gross margin percentage continued to strengthen reflecting improvements made inproduct ranges, supply chain efficiencies, better buying terms, and moreeffective sales promotions. We expect profits in the year to be not less thanmarket expectations. There remains further unrealised potential in existing stores and we are focusedon further developing the Company." The Company will announce its preliminary results on 12 April 2005. For further information: Moss Bros Group Plc 020 7353 4200Philip MountfordRoddy Murray Tulchan Communications 020 7353 4200Alexia Latham This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange