Online sales continue to build momentum for Briscoe Group, which has reported a slight decline in half-year revenue due to economic uncertainty and ebbing consumer confidence.

The homewares and sports goods retailer has reported revenue for the 26-week period ended July 27 of $371.27 million, down from $372 million in the same period last year.

The company’s net profit after tax was down to $29.31 million, from $33.21 million in the first half of the year, as a result of increased operating costs and a decline in gross margin. Gross profit fell from $159.86 million to $153.8 million, and its gross profit margin reduced from 42.97 per cent to 41.43 per cent year-on-year.

Briscoe’s online sales increased to 19.36 per cent of its total group sales and the company expanded same-day delivery service, improved its Click and Collect workflows, and redesigned its back-of-house areas in key stores.

These improvements have led to a 4 per cent year-on-year increase in Click and Collect and a 2 per cent reduction in labour spend.

Briscoe’s homewares arm reported sales revenue of $229.78 million, a gross profit of $94.24 million, and a net profit after tax of $14.74 million.

The company’s sporting goods arm, Rebel, reported sales revenue of $141.49 million for the period, with a gross profit of $59.55 million, and a net profit after tax of $13.21 million.