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Investors in high street giant Frasers will be hoping for a sign that conditions are improving for retailers despite “clouds looming” over the sector and further cost rises on the horizon.
Retail groups, including brands sports direct And House of Fraser will publish its half-year financial results on Thursday.
Earlier this year, the business said it was working hard to offset rising wage costs and recover from a “weak period” after last year’s Budget.
Next financial update will come after a week Rachel Reeves granted him the latest autumn Budget statement.
The Chancellor confirmed the national minimum wage will rise again next April, while some businesses are in line for further increases in costs including business rates and property income tax.
Yet, it will also follow Black Friday sales – a key period for retailers hoping to attract shoppers looking for deals and low prices.
Financial analyst Michael Hewson said it was “a well-documented fact that the last 12 months have been challenging for the retail sector, with Budget 2024 placing a considerable burden on retailers”.
He said Frasers had revealed it was facing a £50 million rise in costs due to higher National Insurance contributions and a rise in the minimum wage, “which is reflected in figures released over the summer”.
In July, Frasers said it expected to deliver underlying profits of between £550 million and £600 million in 2025-26, compared with around £560 million the previous year, as it looks for ways to cut costs to offset increased business expenses.
“It remains to be seen whether the group is still on track to meet those forecasts,” said Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor.
He said: “In the near term, the current clouds hanging over the retail sector are likely to weigh on performance.
“Consumer sentiment is poor, retail sales are under pressure and the general economic backdrop has dampened consumer propensity to spend.”
“On the surface, there should be reasons for optimism as the group highlights.”
He cited “partnerships with global names such as Nike, Adidas and Hugo Boss”, but cautioned that “these alliances have put pressure on Frasers given a difficult luxury background in the past”.
Frasers, whose roster of brands also includes flannels and Jack WillsAccelerated expansion over the past year, entered new markets and increased stakes in companies Hugo Boss And AO World.