Joules continues to defy retail gloom over festive period

Joules has continued to defy the retail gloom with an 11.7% sales increase over the festive period.

During the seven weeks ending 6 January the clothing and lifestyle retailer said that online sales attributed to almost half of all sales. Joules said the performance was driven through its own digital channels as well as through concession partners’ websites and “reflects the appeal of the Joules brand as well as the strength of the Group’s integrated and flexible ‘total retail’ model”.  

The company added the retail performance during the period supports the board’s previously stated confidence in the group achieving full year 2019 PBT in line with its expectations.

Colin Porter, CEO, said:  “I am pleased to update on a continued strong retail performance for Joules through the important festive trading  period, which represents an improvement from the retail sales growth in the first half of the year.

“This good growth was achieved despite the ongoing backdrop of challenging sector trading conditions. The Group’s performance was again underpinned by  the strength of the Joules brand, our growing and loyal customer base, and the flexibility of our ‘total retail’ model which continues to enable Joules to adapt to changing customer shopping behaviours.”

Joules will announce its interim results for the 26‐week period to 25 November 2018 on Wednesday 23 January 2019.