Kingfisher recently reported total sales up 5.2% in constant currencies and up 2.5% on a like-for-like basis in its second-quarter pre-close trading update for the 10 weeks ended 13 July 2013.
Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher's group chief executive, said: “Following a tough Q1, I am pleased to report that we have been able to capitalise on the better weather conditions in Q2, particularly in the UK, which has helped us to deliver growth. However, underlying consumer confidence remains weak in our major markets, so we continue to focus hard on our self-help margin and cost initiatives. We are on track to deliver a first half in line with our expectations.
“Our self-help plan Creating the Leader continues to progress well, including the successful completion in Q2 of the acquisition of 15 stores in Romania, our first new country entry in seven years. We remain confident in our future prospects.”
