Michael Hill trades up in FY21 despite 10,000 lost trading days

Michael Hill trades up in FY21 despite 10,000 lost trading days

Michael Hill has enjoyed a “solid” year of sales despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with same store sales up 8.6 per cent for the year to 27 June despite over 10,000 lost trading days.

Digital sales grew 1.1 per cent and broke $30 million for the first time for the group, hitting 6.2 per cent of full year sales.

“This performance provides further evidence that our strategic transformation agenda is on track and delivering. We’ve seen record digital sales, our loyalty program going from strength to strength, further development of omni-channel initiatives, and continued evolution of our product offering, go-to-market campaigns and retail fundamentals,” said Michael Hill chief executive Daniel Bracken.

“I’m particularly proud that we have taken a strong and proactive position in supporting our team members during these very challenging times. The connections with out teams, customers and suppliers continue to be at the forefront of our minds.”

The business generated all store sales growth of 116 per cent in its final quarter of the year, landing at $116 million compared to the $53 million seen last year, with Australians stores seeing sales double and New Zealand stores up 129.9 per cent.

For the full year, Australian stores saw sales grow 17.4 per cent, while New Zealand stores were up 19.1 per cent.

“The company continues to navigate a disrupted retail environment, with significant store closures on a regular basis,” Bracken said.

“[However], we finished the year with a strong trading performance and a very robust balance sheet. Combined with the demonstrated traction in our growth strategies, this sees the company well-positioned to continue its earnings trajectory and explore new opportunities.”

Michael Hill thieves likely made off with $100k in jewellery and watches

The Michael Hill store was open for business on Sunday, following the robbery.

An employee at a Michael Hill store robbed by two men says the thieves likely made off with $100,000 worth of jewellery and watches.

The jewellers in Waitākere’s WestCity mall was hit shortly after 6pm on Saturday, a police spokeswoman said.

The employee said the thieves had made off with the store’s stock of larger chains and watches, some of which were worth $18,000 to $25,000.

“They knew what they were getting,” the employee said.

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“It might be over $100,000, I’m not sure. We still haven’t done a stock-take.

“We never had anything like this, normally it’s smash and grab.”

A police spokeswoman said while the investigation was in its early stages, there was no evidence currently to suggest a firearm was presented.

The employee said the store manager also had their wallet taken and that police had swept the store for fingerprints on Sunday.

A police spokesman confirmed a number of other items, including bags and other personal belongings, had been taken by the thieves.

“The offenders then fled the scene in a vehicle, which has since been located nearby,” the spokeswoman said.

“Police have been making a number of enquiries to help identify and locate those responsible, including reviewing CTV footage and speaking with a number of people.

“Those enquiries are ongoing.”

Earlier on Sunday, a worker at the store told Stuff two men entered the store just as it was about to close for the day.

An Eagle helicopter was deployed to help find the pair on Saturday.

In a similar incident in 2017, a man snatched a $60,000 diamond ring from the WestCity Michael Hill.

In April 2021, two Michael Hill stores were targeted by thieves, on Auckland’s Queen St and in Albany’s Westfield mall.

Police are asking anyone with information that may be able to assist enquiries call 105 quoting file number 210703/3744.

Michael Hill jewellery shop robbery: Police release photos of suspects

One of two men being hunted by police after the mall robbery. Image / NZ Police

One of two men being hunted by police after the mall robbery. Image / NZ Police

Police have released photos of two men being hunted after a brazen jewellery shop robbery in West Auckland.

The two men can be seen wearing distinctive clothing - one in a black hooded jumper with a logo design and the other in a grey jacket and yellow gloves.

The latest heist was the sixth at a Michael Hill jewellery store in the past year.

“Police are determined to identify and locate those responsible and hold them to account,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Frost said.

Police have released this image of the latest Michael Hill robbery.

The robbery at the West City Mall, Henderson, happened just after 6pm on Saturday.

Police were told two males had entered the store and took a large amount of jewellery, along with a number of other items - including bags and personal belongings.

A staff member earlier told Stuff that the pair may have stolen up to $100,000 worth of goods.

The pair later fled the scene in a vehicle that was found a short time after the robbery.

Frost said they continued to make a number of inquiries to help identify those responsible.