AGM Statement
19 Septembre 2003 - 2:00PM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:9590P
Homestyle Group PLC
19 September 2003
19 September 2003
HOMESTYLE GROUP PLC
AGM STATEMENT
At the Company's Annual General Meeting today, the Chairman, Sir Gordon
Hourston, made the following comments on current trading:-
"Overall performance for the twenty weeks from 26 April 2003 to 13 September
2003 ("the period") has broadly been in line with the trends indicated in the
preliminary results announcement issued on 30th July 2003.
The Beds Division achieved a 1% increase in like for like sales over the period.
The Textiles Division continues to benefit from the conversion of the
Knightingales discount chain to Rosebys and the resultant margin enhancements
more than compensate for the like for like sales decline of 5% over the period.
Both Divisions trading profits are ahead of the comparable period last year.
The Furniture Division continues to operate in a particularly challenging
trading environment. Like for like sales declined by 11% over the period.
However, since the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Division has been achieving
a positive sales performance as new products and marketing initiatives began to
impact. It is still too early to assess the immediate trading outlook in the
light of these more encouraging trends. The sales performance of the Division
should continue to benefit from these initiatives as the business enters the
seasonally more important second half which will be against much weaker prior
year comparatives.
I am afraid that there is nothing to add to what is already known to
shareholders regarding the Company's dispute with HM Customs & Excise.
Obviously we will keep shareholders advised of any significant developments."
Enquiries:
Hudson Sandler 020 7796 4133
Andrew Hayes/Jessica Rouleau
Homestyle Group PLC 01925 647200
Michael Rosenblatt
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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