LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Angling Direct\'s shares climbed on Tuesday as the retailer reported a \"record\" start to the year following strong online and instore sales, and the opening of a new store in Nottingham.
The fishing tackle and equipment specialist said like-for-like sales across all its shops were up by 29.5% in February and March, while overall sales were up 28.5% compared to the previous year as online orders for January and February increased by 27%.

The AIM traded company also enjoyed a 66% jump in European sales after solid performances from its German, French and Dutch websites, while the UK store roll out programme remains on track, with further stores in the pipeline for 2019.

Darren Bailey, chief executive of Angling Direct, said: \"Whilst other areas of the retail sector may be experiencing difficulties, we are delighted that our strategic focus on customer experience and service, as well as positioning our stores in the correct locations, is driving our growth and brand value. We look forward to updating the market on our further progress in due course.\"

The company also confirmed the opening of its 27th UK store after a new Nottingham location threw open its doors to customers on Friday 19 April.

The first fishing tackle \"destination store\" of its kind in the Nottingham area, the new location is easily accessible and located in the popular fishing area of Daybrook, near the river Trent.

\"The location also offers a good number of local lakes which all cover a broad range of fishing disciplines. As we seek to cater for all anglers across the UK with a new and modern retail offering, we will continue to strategically expand our physical geographical footprint, as well as enhance our online offering in terms of products, experience and education in order to help raise the profile of angling,\" said Bailey.

Angling Direct\'s shares were up 8.89% at 73.50p at 0853 BST.

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