Briscoe reports a 14% year-on-year jump in its profits from $128.7 million in the fourth quarter, last year to $147.1 million, this January.

"As well as generating a same store sales increase of 8.53% for the group, I am pleased to advise that we have also achieved significant margin and profit improvements continuing the trend established in every previous quarter of this financial year", said Mr. Rod Duke, Briscoe's Managing Director.

Briscoe's sales, on a same store basis, for January, were 8.53% ahead of those of the fourth quarter, in 2009. The unaudited group sales for the fourth quarter increased by 7.3% from $388.5 million in 2009 to $416.7 million, this January.

Homeware sales and sporting good sales were increased by 7% and 7.9%, respectively, during the 4th quarter in 2009.

Mr. Duke said that he was confident about the company's stronger second half results, this year than for the same period in the last year.

Briscoe did not open any new stores during the last quarter. The audited results for the final quarter will be released on March 9.