B&M credits £1.5bn revenue to discount retailing
Discount retailer B&M has revealed strong trading for the third quarter of the 2023 financial year, as many consumers look to discount retailers during the cost-of-living crisis.
In the 13-week period to December 24, the retailer saw a growth in revenue of 12.3% on a year-on-year basis to £1.56bn.
B&M said it had seen strong performance across all of its UK categories, both in grocery and general merchandise, with key merchandise ranges supporting improved gross margin performances.
The retailer credited a flexible sourcing model allowing the supply chains across all categories to perform smoothly.
B&M now expects its earnings for the year to be in the range of £560m to £580m, ahead of analysts’ current estimate of £557m.
The retailer is now trading from 705 stores in the UK, up from 693 a year ago.
Alex Russo, B&M chief executive, said: “Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, we will continue to work hard to help both existing and new customers manage the cost-of-living crisis. The business has exited the quarter well and will remain focused on disciplined execution.”