Super Retail Group sales growth set a “positive start” to the financial year as all retail brands maintained strong trading momentum.

The company’s like-for-like sales grew 20 per cent compared to the previous period while online sales represented 10 per cent of year-to-date sales.

Camping and outdoor specialist Macpac was the best performing of the group’s chains, with sales up by 76 per cent driven by wet weather in Australia – although its New Zealand subsidiary struggled due to a lack of staff availability and low tourism.

An increase in foot traffic and improved stock availability from key global brands helped boost Rebel Australia sales by 20 per cent while BCF’s growth momentum grew marginally, up 4 per cent, above pre-Covid levels.

Group MD and CEO Anthony Heraghty said the group expects higher mortgage rates and the increased cost of living expenses will begin to impact consumer spending.

“The value proposition of the group’s brands, our large active club member base and the resilience of our key auto and sports categories mean the group is well positioned for more challenging retail trading conditions ahead.”

Heraghty added the business’ first-half result will be “highly dependent” on the peak Christmas holiday period.