The financial crisis is good news for pawnbroking chain Cash Converters, which has reported a 15% increase in sales over the last two months.
A report in The Australian today describes how increased rents and the flagging job market are forcing many consumers to be more discerning in their purchases, and seeking out near-new items at pawnbrokers is becoming a more attractive option.
A Cash Converters spokesperson says the company has not seen a dramatic rise in the number of people seeking to sell goods, but that this would be monitored closely in the next few months.
Fashion and homeware label Country Road is also bucking the downward trend of the retail sector, forecasting a 70 80% rise in first-half net profit.
Unfortunately though, these results are standouts in an otherwise bleak outlook for the sector.
Stock for your watchlist:
CCV Cash Converters International
CPR Clive Peeters
CTY Country Road
DJS – David Jones
HVN Harvey Norman
TRS The Reject Shop
Further information:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24945644-5013404,00.html
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,24945106-5018018,00.html
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,24945008-5018018,00.html