The positive results came despite temporary closures of 37 stores in Australia and 46 in Canada due to the ongoing pandemic. The company currently operates 289 stores across Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
E-commerce continued to perform strongly for MHI, with online sales increasing by 102 per cent when compared with the same period in FY19-20. Digital purchases now make up 5.8 per cent of total sales.
Indeed, while temporarily closed, the company noted that stores still operated on a contactless click-and-collect, click-and-reserve, and ship-from-store basis.
Daniel Bracken, CEO MHI, said he was “delighted” by the results, adding, “All areas of the business have contributed to this outstanding performance, as the rhythm of the business and our strategic initiatives operated in unison.
"Furthermore, the disciplined in-store execution by our dedicated retail teams delivered impressive results during the critical last few weeks of December.
“Considering the global challenges over the last year, I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication, energy and resilience consistently demonstrated by our teams, as we prioritise best-in-class health and safety protocols and continue to delight our loyal customers.”
Bracken also paid tribute to Victorian and Canadian staff, who “have weathered extended periods of disruption for both themselves and their families” during the second half of 2020.
In September, MHI reported a profit of $3.1 million for FY19-20, a decline of 81 per cent when compared with the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, given the strong performance in the second half of 2020, MHI’s dividend from last March – which was initially delayed to September 2021 – will now be paid this month.
In addition, Bracken announced two new additions to the MHI executive team – Amy Sznicer, chief retail officer, and Jo Feeney, chief marketing officer.
Andrea Slingsby, chief operating officer MHI, has left the company alongside chief brand and strategy officer Vanessa Brennan. Slingsby joined MHI in January 2019, while Brennan had been with the company since January 2018 and recently oversaw the launch of Medley Jewellery, MHI’s digital-only, Gen Z-oriented brand.
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