This afternoon, Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) reported group like-for-like sales growth of 0.4% for the second half so far, with Supercheap Auto and Macpac delivering positive momentum despite tougher trading conditions.
What did Super Retail Group report?
- Like-for-like sales grew 0.4% for the first 44 weeks of H2 FY26
- Total group sales rose 3.3% for weeks 1 to 44 FY26
- Supercheap Auto total sales up 4.3%; Macpac sales up 8.9% year to date
- rebel’s total sales up 4.0%; BCF sales flat at -0.3%
- Group gross margin is modestly below the same period last year
- Group & Unallocated costs for FY26 expected at $66 million, up from previous $60 million estimate
What else do investors need to know?
Trading conditions across all brands were affected by the Middle East conflict and economic headwinds like higher fuel prices and rising interest rates. These factors led to subdued consumer sentiment, especially during the important Easter retail period.
Supercheap Auto and rebel both increased their market share. Interest in auto maintenance, DIY parts, men’s sportswear, recovery gear, and football supported sales. However, discretionary spending declined, impacting categories like power tools, performance footwear, and high-value sporting equipment.
Super Retail invested around $30 million in extra working capital to secure inventory ahead of price increases, especially for Supercheap Auto, and to ensure supply for regional areas.
What’s next for Super Retail Group?
The company is pressing ahead with the opening of its new Victorian distribution centre and rolling out a new HR Core & Payroll system. Both initiatives are tracking to plan this half, though the early start of these projects contributed to the higher cost outlook for FY26.
Macpac is preparing for its peak winter season, with a focus on managing inventory carefully. Across the group, investments in supply chain and systems aim to position Super Retail Group to navigate current economic challenges and support future growth.
Super Retail Group share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Super Retail shares have declined 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.
The post Super Retail Group provides a trading update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in Super Retail Group right now?
Before you buy Super Retail Group shares, consider this:
Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Super Retail Group wasn’t one of them.
The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*
And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…
* Returns as of 20 Feb 2026
.custom-cta-button p {
margin-bottom: 0 !important;
}
More reading
- Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
- Why the ASX 200 is charging higher today
- Why is this $10 billion ASX stock racing 12% higher today?
- Which ASX 200 stock is lifting after a hostile takeover update?
- GPT Group delivers March quarter update
Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.