Tile retailer Topps Tiles has reported a growth in first half sales after a delivering a strong performance in March.
According to its latest trading update for the 26-week period ended 29 March 2025, group sales in the first half were £127.7 million, 4% higher than the previous year, with underlying sales growth in the second quarter of 4.4% after adjusting for the timing of holiday periods, up from 3.3% underlying growth in the first quarter.
“While trading through January was slower, volumes began to build progressively thereafter, with this improving trend culminating in a strong performance in March, when the Group’s underlying sales (excluding CTD) increased by a high single digit percentage compared to the previous year,” Topps said.
Underlying like-for-like sales within the Topps Tiles brand were 3.7% higher year-on-year in the second quarter and like-for-like sales were 3% higher in the first half overall.
“While homeowner sales remain subdued, trade sales within Topps Tiles were strong and progress with our digital initiatives continued at pace, in line with our ‘Mission 365’ growth strategy,” Topps added.
“Total trade sales in the Topps Tiles brand were 12% higher year on year in the first half, with the number of active traders at the end of the period up 11% year on year to 146,000. Sales made through Topps Tiles’ digital channels were up 15% in the first half, and online trade traffic was up approximately four-fold.
“Strategically, the brand continued to make good progress with the development of its new customer engagement platform and trade app, which will launch in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Sales in Pro Tiler Tools and Tile Warehouse continued to grow strongly year on year.”
In relation to the acquisition of CTD, as previously reported the Group is “pleased” to note that the CMA has approved in principle its proposed undertakings to dispose of four stores in lieu of a Phase II investigation.
Rob Parker, Chief Executive, said: “Following our return to sales growth in the early weeks of the year, we are pleased to see this trend accelerate in the second quarter, driven by some initial signs of success from our new strategic initiatives, including an improved trader digital experience and further category extensions.
“Whilst macroeconomic indicators remain mixed, we remain focused on the delivery of our strategy which we are confident will lead to the achievement of our Mission 365 goal over the medium term.”
