Store portfolio
The future growth of sales is partly dependent on the extent and results of the Group’s net space expansion and refurbishment strategy. The Group has followed a steady programme of space expansion and refurbishment and has established capital expenditure procedures with investment criteria set by the Board. The projections used for investment decisions are reviewed and adjusted based on experience and economic conditions.
In particular, the success of the Jared off-mall destination store concept, which accounts for the majority of the Group’s net increase in new store space, will influence the future performance of the Group. This concept has been tested and developed over a number of years and its performance against the investment model is regularly reviewed. The rate of new store development is dependent on a number of factors including obtaining suitable real estate, the capital resources of the Group and the availability of appropriate staff and management.
The Group’s results are dependent on a number of factors relating to its stores. These include the availability of property, the location of the mall or shopping centre, the availability of attractive locations within a mall or High Street, the terms of leases, the Group’s relationship with major landlords and the design and maintenance of the stores. In addition, the Group’s operations, particularly in the US, are dependent upon the continued popularity of enclosed malls as a shopping destination and the ability of enclosed malls, their tenants and other mall features to attract customers.
The continued growth of Jared and the development of Kay in suburban open air malls and metropolitan locations is reducing the Group’s dependence on enclosed malls.