Joules Group PLC (LON:JOUL) said store sales for the eight weeks since post-lockdown reopening are ahead of the comparable period two years ago.
The ‘British lifestyle group’ said its shops have performed ahead of management's expectations after the UK's Coronavirus (COVID-19) national lockdowns, while it opened three new sites at Center Parcs' Sherwood, Whinfell and Elveden.
READ: Joules says full-year numbers to be ahead of consensus
It said demand was fueled by pent-up consumer demand as well as “the attractive, predominantly local” locations of the estate.
In the financial year ended 30 May, revenue rose 4% to £199mln mostly thanks to the e-commerce segment and the acquisition of Garden Trading in February 2021.
Profit before tax and exceptional items is anticipated to be £5.5-6.5mln, slightly ahead of current market expectations of £5.2-5.3mln.
Retail revenue, which includes e-commerce and store sales, increased 9% compared to the previous year, however stores plummeted 41% due to enforced closures during lockdowns. Online sales accounted for 77% of the mix.
The wholesale channel was down 17% also because of restrictions.
Garden Trading has traded well and ahead of the board's expectations with revenues climbing 78% than the comparable period.
The AIM-listed group had net cash of £4.7mln at 30 May and £39mln of liquidity headroom based on facilities.