Mr. Bricolage suffered from the heat

The group recorded significant increases during the first nine months of the year         The French DIY group Mr. Bricolage also suffered from the heat wave this summer. 79 of the independently operated stores recorded a 7.5% downturn in sales in the third quarter (to 30th September 2003)  in comparison to the same period in the previous year. From January to September inclusive, these DIY stores recorded sales figures of  €188.4m, 120% higher than in the first nine months of 2002. On a comparative basis, this increase represents only 1.1% and within France only 1.0%. The 409 stores strong Mr. Bricolage group recorded gross sales of €1.1164bn during the same period, an increase of 21.8%.  This represents a growth rate of 4.2% over a comparable floor area.  45 sites operating under the brand names B3 and Bricogite were converted to the main distribution line during the reporting period. In addition, there were 19 new store openings and 16 relocations or expansions. The 157 DIY stores operating under the local brand name Catena recorded a 4.9% increase to €110.1m before tax during the first nine months.