Angling Direct PLC (LON:ANG) shares surged as it achieved a record start to the year with strong sales at stores and online despite a tough retail market.
The fishing tackle retailer said total sales jumped 50.7% in February and March, compared to a year ago, and like-for-like sales gained 28.5%.
Like-for-like footfall across stores grew 29.5% over the two months.
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Online orders were up 27% during the period, led by a robust performance in Europe.
"Whilst other areas of the retail sector may be experiencing difficulties, we are delighted that our strategic focus on customer experience and service, as well as positioning our stores in the correct locations, is driving our growth and brand value,” chief executive Darren Bailey said.
Angling Direct also announced that it has opened a new store in Nottingham, bringing its total estate across the UK to 27 stores.
The company said the Nottingham store is the first fishing tackle "destination store" of its kind in the area. The group added that it has further stores in the pipeline for 2019.
"We are very excited to have opened our Nottingham store, which is set in a very popular angling area near the river Trent,” Bailey said.
“The location also offers a good number of local lakes which all cover a broad range of fishing disciplines.
"As we seek to cater for all anglers across the UK with a new and modern retail offering, we will continue to strategically expand our physical geographical footprint, as well as enhance our online offering in terms of products, experience and education in order to help raise the profile of angling.”
In early trading, shares were up 12% to 75.85p each.