4th Nov 2013 07:00
Conviviality Retail Plc
("Conviviality" or "the Company")
Trading Update and Board Changes
Conviviality Retail Plc (AIM: CVR), the UK's largest franchised off-licence chain, which listed on AIM on 31 July 2013, is pleased to provide the following trading update for the 26 weeks ended 27 October 2013 and update shareholders on changes to the Board.
Trading Update
Conviviality has traded well in the period to 27 October 2013, and continues to perform in line with market expectations for 52 weeks to 27 April 2014.
For the 26 weeks ended 27 October 2013, like for like UK store sales growth was 0.6% which represents a marked improvement on the corresponding period in 2012. This has primarily been a result of a reduction in the number of underperforming stores and improved standards across the store portfolio. The business benefits from positive cash flow and had a net cash balance of £11.8m as at 27 October 2013.
The Company announced the acquisition of Wine Rack on 2 September 2013. Wine Rack stores are trading in line with management expectations, integrating well and performing to plan. A new Company-owned Wine Rack store opening is planned for 7 November at West Byfleet in Surrey which incorporates improved point of sale customer communications and refreshed branding. The Wine Rack website has also been updated in line with the new design and plans are underway to improve the range and customer experience across all Wine Rack stores before the important Christmas trading period.
The Company will announce its results for the 26 weeks ended 27 October 2013 on 20 January 2014.
Board Changes
Further to the announcement on 6 August 2013, Conviviality is pleased to confirm that Julie Wirth, Chief Financial Officer, commences her role with the Company today, replacing Peter Hodgson who has today retired from the Board following over 20 years of service. The Board would like to thank Peter for his contribution to the business and wish him all the best in the future.
Diana Hunter, Chief Executive of Conviviality commented:
"We are pleased with the performance to date. Like-for-like growth in store sales is encouraging and reflects signs of underlying improvement in the core business. This is a result of the increased focus of our Franchisees and a better quality store portfolio, combined with a number of new incentives successfully introduced during the period.
Wine Rack has bedded in well and we are already seeing the benefits from this acquisition. The Board looks forward to further progress and growth across the business in the second half.
On behalf of the Board, I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Julie to the Company."
4 November 2013
Enquiries: | |
Conviviality Retail Plc | Tel: 01270 614 700 |
Diana Hunter, Chief Executive Officer | |
Zeus Capital (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) | |
Nick Cowles/Andrew Jones (Corporate Finance) | Tel: 0161 831 1512 |
John Goold (Corporate Broking) | Tel: 020 7533 7727 |
Panmure Gordon (Joint Broker) | Tel: 020 7886 2500 |
Andrew Godber Adam Pollock | |
College Hill | Tel: 020 7457 2020 |
Matthew Smallwood | |
Justine Warren |
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