Universal Store Holdings reported a 13.7 per cent year-over-year sales increase in the first 17 weeks of FY26 ended on October 26, 2025.
Universal Store’s (US) sales went up by 11.4 per cent, while Perfect Stranger (PS) saw a 40.5 per cent rise and Cheap Thrills Cycle’s (CTC) climbed 14.1 per cent.
The group attributed Perfect Stranger’s sales growth to rising brand awareness, enhanced product range, and an improved in-store experience. All stores are profitable, with limited evidence of sales cannibalisation of nearby US stores.
Wholesale sales of CTC declined 6.3 per cent due to channels impacted by reduced USA export sales amid tariff uncertainties, along with ongoing effects of material changes across major wholesale accounts.
CTC’s retail strategy is delivering results, with better brand alignment, improved product curation, and operational changes for faster “speed to market.” Thrills stores posted double-digit like-for-like (LFL) sales growth year-to-date, though online sales declined due to lower discounting versus last year.
Gross margins stay in line with last year, thanks to the PS retail format expansion and a favourable category sales mix during the 2025 winter season, partially offset by weaker AUD/USD exchange rate.
In terms of expansion plans, the group remains on track to meet its FY26 target of opening 11 to 17 new stores, with four new stores opened so far and preparing to open four more before Christmas. One Universal Store shop temporarily closed for centre redevelopment and is expected to reopen in FY27.
Universal Store Holdings maintains its prudence in new store decisions and lease renewals. At present, three holdover leases are under negotiation.
The group continues to invest in strengthening its team to support business growth and succession planning. The implementation of the new POS system is scheduled for the second half of FY26, after the peak trading period.
“We are pleased to be delivering strong FY26 YTD sales growth while cycling double digit LFL growth in the same period in FY25. Gross margins remain robust with our disciplined pricing strategy, expansion of the PS retail format, and leading private and third-party brands,” said Alice Barbery, Universal Store Holdings Group CEO.
“We continue to make considered investments in our team and system capability to support our growth aspirations. The Group is well-positioned heading into the peak trading period with healthy inventory and a customer-centric mindset.”