Retailer and distributor of sports and outdoor clothing Blacks Leisure Group has announced plans for a major expansion programme throughout Britain.
The company, which runs the First Sport, Black Outdoor and ActiveVenture chains, said it planned to open 30 stores during its next financial year starting in March. Most of the stores would be opened under the First Sport brand.
Chairman and chief executive Simon Bentley said the company would be setting up about 30 to 40 stores annually for the “next few years” in a move that could boost its number of First Sport shops from its figure of 80 to 200. Once it has consolidated its position in the South East and Midlands, Blacks will start to open new shops in the North West and Scotland.
Bentley made the comments as the group saw a 35% jump in total turnover during the 44 weeks to January 3, 1998. The group’s sports chain First Sport boosted sales by 10% and outdoor leisure business Black Outdoor picked up a further 5% despite an unseasonally mild start to the key winter trading period.
Meanwhile, its fashion leisure outlets ActiveVenture met trading expectations as the company’s expansion programme continued with 40 stores opening in the first 10 months of its financial year. Bentley said: “Sales in the important Christmas trading period were in line with expectations and the store opening programme is running to schedule. The group remains on course to meet its targets for the year as a whole.”
Blacks also reported that its distribution operations Fila UK and O’Neill were trading well.
PA News 20/01/98
