Victorian Plumbing ‘on track’ as Q2 sales rise

Victorian Plumbing said it was confident in delivering profit in line with full year market expectations as it continues to make strategic progress.

The bathroom specialist said it expects half-year group sales to be up 5%, following an increase in the rate of revenue growth in January and February.

It attributed part of the uptick to the successful transition to a new semi-automated distribution centre in December, which “enabled it the group to make further progress in our strategic growth areas”.

Victorian Plumbing extended its next day delivery service cut-off timing from midday to 3pm in January, providing an improved service to trade customers.

The group launched a free tile sample offering in January, allowing customers to select up to three sample tiles via express checkout to be delivered free of charge.

It expects its Tiles and Décor business to grow 30% in its first half as it continues to prioritise expanding the category and trade growth alongside our efficient marketing strategy in core bathroom.

Gross profit margin also improved in line with the previous financial year as sales of the retailer’s own brand range continued to grow as a proportion of the overall group.

Victorian Plumbing said its closure of Victoria Plum, which it acquired last May, was complete and all the stock had now been transferred.

The group will report its interim results for the six months ending 31 March on 14 May.

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