Groupe Go Sport, which operates 347 stores in France and Poland, reported a 7.6 percent increase in comp store sales in the first quarter of 2012 in currency neutral terms.
Groupe GO Sport’s sales reached €167.6m ($220mm), up 6.2 percent in currency neutral terms. Same-store sales for the GO Sport banner increased both in France (+6.7%) and in Poland (+9.3% with constant exchange rates), benefiting from the seasonal goods’ return to growth and the outperformance of the stores remodeled in 2011. Courir same-store sales growth accelerated to 9.7% for Q1 2012 after an increase of 8.9% for the year 2011, testifying to the relevance of the banner’s new concept.
At March 31, 2012, Groupe Go Sport numbered 347 stores (175 GO Sport stores of which 32 franchisees and 172 Courir stores of which 13 franchisees). Go Sport carries a full line of sporting goods while Courir specializes in athletic and action sports footwear. The stores carry such U.S. brands as Columbia, Converse, DC Shoes, Merrell, New Balance, Nike, Timberland and Vans…
Group Go is controlled by Rallye Group, which operates the Casino convenience store chain, and reported sales of €8.74 billion ($11bb) or the period. Ralley Group said it will guarantee a €30M capital raise for Groupe Go Sport in the second quarter to accelerate its growth.
