The Athlete’s Foot network of franchised stores has seen a total sales growth of 11.4 percent from $72.6 million to $80.8 million for the half-year ending December 27, 2009, giving the parent company, RCG Corporation, a record profit.

Consolidated profit after tax increased by 16.8 percent from $2.5 million to $2.9 million.

The exceptional sales performance of The Athlete’s Foot stores, now numbering 141 across Australia and New Zealand, included 8.4 percent like-for-like sales growth. Six new stores were opened during the half-year, all in the new, larger format; five stores were converted to this newer footprint at the same time.

Results from January’s sales (always a strong month thanks to school shoe purchases) show an increase of 16.7 percent, like-for-like sales.

Chairman of RCG Corporation, Ivan Hammerschlag, said “We are delighted with the performance of The Athlete’s Foot. The business continues to deliver consistently outstanding results, in contrast to the significant volatility being experienced by the retail sector as a whole.

“This is a testament to the clear and focused direction and the cohesiveness of both management and franchises in delivering a consistently outstanding customer experience every time.”

Hammerschlag said the new larger format stores have become the standard for new outlets, and existing stores are being converted as quickly as possible.

In addition to The Athlete’s Foot, Shoe Superstore, a three store non-mall based branded comfort footwear business acquired six months ago has met the company’s expectations of near break-even figures for the period.

The Merrell brand of footwear and apparel, part of the corporation’s wholesale and distribution subsidiary, RCG Brands PRty Ltd, began distribution on January 1, 2010; there were $200,000 set up costs and other expenses of $177,000.