Retailer, Briscoe Group says that its first quarter sales increased 7.4% from a year before to $96.8 million.

Sales for the quarter to May 2 were 7.2% high than the first quarter for last year, on a same store basis.

Today, the company said that while the gross profit made for the quarter was more than last year, the gross margin percentage was a little less for the same quarter as last year, indicating the continual competition across the vending industry.

While Homeware sales swelled 7.9% to $63.3m, sporting goods sales surged 6.5% to $33.5million.

Homeware sales rose 7.6% for the quarter, while sporting goods sales were 6.5%, more than last year, on a same store basis.

Managing Director Rod Duke said, "Briscoe Group has made a positive start to the current year and while margins were under pressure through the period, the strong sales growth has enabled group profit to track ahead of last year".

The shares were unaffected at $1.31 in morning trade and have increased 49% in the last 12 months.

The group's operations consist of Briscoes Homeware, Living & Giving, Urban Loft, and Rebel Sport.