BCF owner to spend around $100m to improve digital capacity

The owner of Australia’s leading supplier of fishing tackle has reaped the benefits of a surge in outdoor pursuits post COVID-19 and announced impressive store and online sales growth in the first 17 weeks of its new financial year.

The Super Retail Group-owned BCF (Boating. Camping, Fishing) chain of stores saw its bricks-and-mortar outlets deliver a 63% growth in sales compared to the same period last year, backed by a huge 140% increase in online business. Total group sales were up 25% during the period despite COVID-19 restrictions, including lockdowns in Melbourne and Auckland.

Anthony Heraghty (left), Group Managing Director, hailed the ‘positive’ start to the financial year and revealed that Super Retail Group will be making additional investment to enhance its digital capability and modernise its technology infrastructure with capital expenditure of around $100m during the current financial year.

“The dynamic growth we have seen in our digital sales, through both Click & Collect and home delivery, has reinforced our conviction in our omni-channel business strategy and we will continue to re-invest in the business to enhance our digital capacity and increase our market share.

“COVID-19 continues to make this a challenging year for our customers, trade partners and team members, as well as the communities in which we operate. As Australia and New Zealand begin to reopen, we are looking forward to inspiring our customers to live their passion as they look to get outdoors and enjoy the summer holiday season.

“The group’s four core brands operate in attractive lifestyle categories and are well positioned to benefit from increased demand for domestic tourism and leisure as well as the acceleration of the health and wellbeing benefits.”