Same Store Sales grow by 7.7%

TORONTO, Aug. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - Indigo Books & Music Inc. (TSX: IDG), Canada's largest book, gift and specialty toy retailer reported 4.4% growth in revenue for its first quarter ended July 2, 2016.

Revenue for the quarter was $193.1 million, up $8.2 million from last year, despite operating one less superstore and three fewer small format stores.  On a comparable store basis, Indigo and Chapters superstores posted 7.7% growth, while Coles and Indigospirit small format stores increased by 7.8%.  Sales from Indigo's online channel, indigo.ca, grew by 3.8%, despite cycling over a significant vendor-funded promotion in the same period last year.

Revenue growth was driven mainly by the continued double digit growth of key general merchandise categories. On a comparable store basis, the Print business also experienced growth.

Margin rate improved by 50 basis points compared to the same period last year despite continued pressure from a weaker Canadian dollar.

Commenting on the results, CEO Heather Reisman said, "We are pleased that the strong revenue momentum we experienced last year has continued into the new fiscal.  All key metrics remain positive which allows us to feel confident about our ability to drive continued revenue growth, improved profitability and further customer affection for our brand."

The net loss for the 13-week period ended July 2, 2016 was $9.0 million (net loss per common share of $0.34), compared to a loss of $9.0 million (net loss per common share of $0.35) for the period ended June 27, 2015.  However, on a comparable basis, when excluding the impact of a one-time benefit from a lease disposition, net loss reduced by $4.5 million. The improvement in underlying earnings relates to higher revenues at improved margin rates and improved tax recovery, partially off-set by higher operating costs.

During the quarter, Indigo opened its first cultural department store at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto.  The Sherway store is a 30,000 square foot haven for booklovers as well as providing inspiration for the best gifts and an enhanced IndigoKids experience.  Sherway is the first Indigo store designed and built to reflect the extended product assortment and incredible customer experience.  The new store is performing very well and above expectations.  The Company plans to roll out the cultural department store concept to more stores across the portfolio in the near future.

Also during the quarter, the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation granted an additional $1.5 million to 25 high-need elementary schools across the country, bringing the total committed by the Foundation, since its inception in 2004, to $23.5 million.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements which involve risk and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause such differences are: general economic, market or business conditions in Canada; competitive actions by other companies; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

The Company prepares its unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and International Accounting Standards 34, "Interim Financial Reporting."  In order to provide additional insight into the business, the Company has also provided non-IFRS data, including comparative store sales growth, in the press release above. This measure does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is therefore specific to Indigo and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Comparative store sales growth is a key indicator used by the Company to measure performance against internal targets and prior period results. This measure is commonly used by financial analysts and investors to compare Indigo to other retailers. Comparable store sales are defined as sales generated by stores that have been open for more than 12 months on a 52-week basis.

About Indigo Books & Music Inc.

Indigo is a publicly traded Canadian company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (IDG). As the largest book, gift and specialty toy retailer in Canada, Indigo operates in all provinces under different banners including Indigo Books & Music; Indigo Books, Gifts, Kids; Indigospirit; Chapters; and Coles. The online channel, indigo.ca, offers a one-stop online shop with a robust selection of books, toys, home décor, stationery, and gifts.

Indigo founded the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation in 2004 to address the underfunding of public elementary school libraries.   Every year the Love of Reading Foundation makes grants to high-needs elementary schools so they can transform their libraries with the purchase of new books and educational resources.  To date, the Love of Reading Foundation has committed over $23.5 million to 2,600 elementary schools, benefitting more than 750,000 students.

To learn more about Indigo, please visit the Our Company section at indigo.ca.

SOURCE Indigo Books & Music Inc.