In the second quarter of 2005 the sale of the Danish shops was finalised . The impact on the result has already been processed in the first quarter of 2005.
Three stores were opened in the United Kingdom in the first half of 2005 and 2 closed. Two stores were opened in the Middle East. As of 30.06.05 Brantano has 125 shops in Belgium (including Luxembourg), 138 shops in the UK, which brings the total number of outlets, including the 6 franchises in the Middle East, to 269.
They achieved growth of 2.5% in the existing stores in Belgium (including Luxembourg) during the second quarter. This means that turnover growth in the existing stores was slightly positive during the first half. The warmer weather conditions in June positively influenced the sales of summer shoes, which compensated the bad weather conditions at the beginning of the second quarter and the late start of the summer.
They experienced negative like-for-like turnover growth of 3.3% in the UK, with the result that they had a slightly negative LFL growth during the first half. The nation wide retail slowdown from April on and the non-seasonal weather conditions at the beginning of the second quarter, resulted in a negative sales growth. The early start of the sales period and the positive growth of turnover in the month of June could not fully compensate the decrease in turnover at the beginning of the second quarter.
For the full year, they take into account the more difficult market conditions and the decrease in consumer confidence. The company will consequently focus on customer satisfaction and safeguarding the gross margin. They still foresee to achieve the forecasted turnover of between € 302 and € 307 million for the full year, outlines Joris Brantegem, Group's Managing Director.
The most dynamic European shoe retailer The Brantano Group currently sells shoes under the Brantano name in Belgium, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Denmark. The franchise stores opened in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also now bear the Brantano name. At the end of 2004, 318 stores belonged to the Brantano Group.
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