Travis sales boost

BUILDERS' merchant Travis Perkins reported market-busting sales growth yesterday despite a slump in demand for kitchens and bathrooms

Travis Perkins reported market busting sales growth yesterday despite a slump in demand Travis Perkins reported market-busting sales growth yesterday despite a slump in demand

The company, with 1,827 branches, said sales were up 5.9 per cent in the four months to April 30 as better products and customer service helped it defy a “no growth” market and gain share from rivals.

Sales at its merchant division, up 12.8 per cent, performed best with a 2.3 per cent rise recorded at its new plumbing and heating business BSS. Its Wickes DIY chain reported same-store sales up 1.9 per cent as demand for core DIY products offset a 12 per cent fall in kitchen and bathroom sales as low consumer confidence put people off big projects.

Cooper said it had gained share from “pretty much everyone” but would only “cherry-pick” one or two of the best stores of rival Focus DIY which went into administration last week. “There is too much capacity in the market,” he said.

Net debt reduced by £50million to £724million. Shares fell 13p to 1075p.

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