B&M's UK stores delivered LFL sales growth of +3.7% in the HY to 28th September 2019, driven significantly by homewares.
The retailer says the category is now "back on track", following additional investment in buying and design resources, the launch of new ranges and the implementation of new visual merchandising.
It also attributes the good performance to the narrowing gap between discount stores and category specialists – a survey carried out by B&M found that shoppers are using discount stores more often (particularly women, those aged 55-64 and those with children aged 19-plus at home).
B&M reports growth in customer numbers and average transaction values, with both town centre and out-of-town locations delivering growth. As of September, B&M operated from 645 UK stores (a net of 25 opened during the period). Supporting the business at the back-end, a new warehouse will become operational in January.
The retailer says it has seen a solid start to Q3, yet it remains unclear how political uncertainty will impact sales.
