Fashion Retailer Sees Improvement in Gross Margin and Online Sales

  • Superdry’s H1 losses narrow despite revenue dip
  • Gross margin gains offset decline in sales
  • Revenue up 19.6% for 11-week period ending 8 January vs FY21
  • Improved adjusted loss before tax to £2.8m from £10.6m prior year
  • Omicron adds more uncertainty, but CEO remains confident in brand’s performance

Superdry, the fashion retailer, reported a narrowing of its half-year losses despite a dip in revenue due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and the emergence of Omicron. The company’s gross margin gains more than offset the decline in sales, driven by an increase in full price mix across both stores and e-commerce. Revenue for the 11-week period ending 8 January increased by 19.6% compared to FY21 as physical trading continued to recover. The adjusted loss before tax improved to £2.8m from £10.6m in the prior year, benefiting from the reopening of stores. Superdry remains confident it will achieve current market expectations for FY22 adjusted PBT despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 and Omicron. CEO Julian Dunkerton expressed satisfaction with progress on strategic initiatives and brand recovery, citing improved sales run-rate and a 12% increase in Retail full-price sales mix.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Superdry’s financial performance, including revenue, gross margin gains, and adjusted loss before tax. It also includes quotes from the CEO discussing strategic initiatives and future outlook. However, it lacks some specific numbers or details on the impact of Omicron variant on the company.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information on Superdry’s financial performance during the pandemic and its CEO’s perspective on the company’s progress and future outlook. It includes specific numbers and insights into their sales and strategies, but lacks a broader analysis or context beyond the company’s own statements.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Superdry’s revenue and profitability
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Superdry’s financial performance, including revenue, gross margin, loss before tax, and expectations for the future. It also mentions the impact of Covid-19 on the company’s operations and its response to the situation.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk