A good quarter for Rona

For the first quarter of 2003 the Canadian DIY chain Rona announces growth of net sales by 5.3 per cent to $ 467.5 mio (€ 294.8 mio) over the previous year’s result. The company stresses that same-store sales increased by 3.1 per cent, despite poor weather and a drop in lumber prices. The sales volume is made up of two components. The distribution centres made sales totalling $ 211.7 mio (€ 133.5 mio), indicating a 3.6 per cent increase, to affiliated and franchised stores. Retail sales for all corporate and franchised stores grew 6.8 per cent to $ 255.8 mio (€ 161.3 mio). The company’s net operating income increased by 52 per cent to $ 5.8 mio (€ 3.7 mio).