Briscoe Group booked record sales of $372.1 million in the fiscal first half, up 0.77 per cent from the year-ago period.

This comes as the group’s homeware sales grew 0.28 per cent to $230 million and sporting goods sales increased 1.58 per cent to $142.1 million. Online accounted for 18.77 per cent of the group’s total sales.

However, inventory dropped to $106.3 million from $120.2 million.

“Particular focus has been placed on seasonal inventory levels across both Briscoes Homeware and Rebel Sport,” said Rod Duke, Briscoe Group MD.

“We continue to work closely with our supply partners in relation to optimising the group’s inventory position.”

The company’s net profit dropped 22.31 per cent to $33.2 million, which includes tax adjustment of $7.4 million due to recent tax changes announced by the government.