Warm weather lifts Kingfisher

2nd Jun 2011 07:05

B&Q owner Kingfisher's sales were boosted by warm weather and the recent string of bank holidays, but the DIY retailer still sees a tough year ahead, particularly in Britain.In the 13 weeks to 30 April, total sales were up by 4.7% from a year ago at £2.73bn "boosted by favourable weather in our major markets, a later Easter compared to last year and the extended public holidays in the UK."Sales in the UK and Ireland climbed by 1.9% to £1.19bn, sales in France, where it operates the Castorama chain, were up by 6.4% at £1.11bn and other international sales climbed by 8.4% to £434m."Whilst we have got off to a good start, it remains our view that this year is likely to be a tough one for all retailers, especially in the UK," said chief executive Ian Cheshire. "It is also likely that the early spring weather will have brought forward some of our outdoor seasonal sales."---RG