Moss Bros sales boosted by e-commerce during Q1

Moss Bros has reported a 1.5% increase in total sales for the 15 week period ending 11 May, in spite of a “tough trading environment”.

The retailer’s overall trading performance continued to show an improvement on the prior year, with both full price retail store sales and e-commerce delivering positive progress compared with 2018.

Like–for-like retail sales, including e-commerce, were up 2.2%, reflecting a “strong” e-commerce performance alongside positive momentum in high street stores. The group said its outlet store business was more challenged, especially across the Easter period, when footfall was impacted by the warmer weather.

E-commerce sales continued to increase, up 18.7% on last year, and total e-commerce sales now comprise 15.5% of total sales for the 15 weeks to date, compared with 13% for the same period last year.

CEO Brian Brick said: “We are making progress on last year, having recovered from the stock issues and improved our supply chain. Retail and e-commerce sales have shown further improvement against this backdrop. Although Hire continues to disappoint, it is clear this is reflecting a switch from Hire to retail with the new Tailor Me range.

“We are building momentum in new channels to market and we are seeing a growth in new customers as a result. Tailor Me continues to gather momentum and is showing 32% growth in order value versus last year.”