CONSUMER DEMAND MUSIC TO JBHI-FI

CONSUMER electronics r et ailer JBHI-FI says strong consumer demand for its range of computers, tech devices, home appliances and TVs has continued into the first quarter.

But the retailer said given the uncertainty around the C OVID -19 pandemic and the economy it would not provide sales guidance for 2021.

The company, which also owns The Good Guys chain of white goods stores, said following the lifting of tight restrictions in Victoria its stores in Melbourne would now open for in-store customers.

JBHI-FI chief executive Richard Murray said the spike in sales experienced through the early months of the pandemic had pushed into the first three months of fiscal 2021.

Mr Murray said that for the period July 1 to Se pt ember 30,JBH I-F I Australia total sales growth was 27.3 per cent, against 4.7 percent for the same time last year, with comparable sales growth of 27.6 percent, against 3.7 per centin2020.

JBHI-FI New Zea land’ s total sales and comparable sales growth were both down 2.5 percent( previous corresponding period 3.8 percent ). The Good Guys total sales growth was 30.9 percent against a fall of 0.5 percent last year, with comparable sales growth of 30.9 percent, against a fall of 1.8 per cent for the same time last year.

“Our online businesses have continued to scale and meet the needs of our customers in a period where restrictions have impacted their ability to visit our stores ,” Mr Murray said.

JBHI-FI shares fell 1.2 percent to $47.38onThursday.