Briscoe Group navigates mixed quarter, prioritizes margin over sales

Briscoe Group reported a 1.76% decline in total Group sales for the third quarter, reaching $171.0 million. Year-to-date sales stood at $542.3 million, a 0.71% decrease from the previous year. Homeware sales grew 1.80% for the quarter and 0.49% year-to-date, while sporting goods sales declined 7.33% for the quarter and 2.64% year-to-date. Online sales made up 18.48% of total Group sales for the quarter and 19.08% year-to-date.

The group's managing director, Rod Duke, noted a mixed trading environment with continued pressure on consumer sentiment. Despite this, the company focused on executing strategic priorities and protecting gross profit margin. By adjusting promotional activity in Q3, Briscoe Group significantly reduced the decline in gross profit margin percentage, with sporting goods exceeding the prior year's margin by over 50 basis points.

Briscoe Group’s inventory levels for both segments are well-maintained heading into the critical fourth quarter, with total Group inventory closing the October period over $3 million under last year. The company remains cautious about the retail environment, maintaining full-year net profit after tax guidance to January 25, 2026, at around $60 million. Strategic investments, including the new 'Rebel X' concept store and the Drury distribution center, remain on track.