By Grant Shepherd
 
At the company’s annual general meeting yesterday, David Jones CEO Mark McInnes has highlighted that the retail chain is set for a bumper Christmas season and he is excited about the future growth of the company.
 
In his speech, McInnes highlighted that David Jones performed exceptionally well throughout FY09.
 
“I am pleased to report that in FY09 our company met and exceeded all of its benchmark Key Performance Indicators, enabling us to deliver a record profit result and to declare a record dividend,” he said.
 
“Our ability to deliver FY09 PAT and dividend growth during the most difficult economic environment since the recession in the early 1990’s, combined with our performance track record since 2003, demonstrates the strong business model we have and the solid foundation we have laid for future growth.”
 
McInnes was particularly confident in the lead up to the important Christmas trading period.
 
“I have just returned from a nationwide 37 store review. I have personally met with each store manager and have seen all their plans for this Christmas and am pleased to report that our stores have never looked better, nor have we been better prepared for the all-important Christmas trading period. I am confident that our staff, stores and brand offering are set to shine and delight customers,” he said.
 
“I am excited about our company’s future growth and can assure you that the management team and I are ready to maximise our Christmas trading result.”