Hornby PLC on Wednesday said it saw an increase in sales during its third quarter, following momentum in Black Friday and Christmas trading.

Hornby is a model railway maker and retailer based in Margate, England.

The firm said its group sales for the third quarter that ended December 31 were 7% ahead year-on-year, excluding income from LCD Enterprises Ltd, which was sold at the end of November.

Hornby provided a benchmark comparison from the British Retail Consortium, which reported UK non-food sales fell by 1.5% during the same three-month period.

It said group sales for the financial year to date were up 8% on last year, and gross profits were 10% higher.

‘A strong programme of activity around Black Friday and Christmas contributed to 23% revenue growth and 38% gross profit growth versus last year for the month of December,’ Hornby said. ‘Almost 50% of all Black Friday transactions came from first-time customers, up from 42% in 2023, demonstrating improved acquisition of new customers to our brands in this key promotional period.’

Hornby maintained its current full-year forecast, though it did not on Wednesday specify what this forecast was.

Chief Executive Officer Olly Raeburn said: ‘In a tough economic climate, we are pleased to be able to report growth in revenue, margins and gross profits through this critical quarter. Concurrently we are continuing to drive down the inventory levels that had built up in recent years and are delivering our change plans in a steady and sustainable way. Our turnaround is very much on track as we further reduce central costs, focus on our core brands and improve operational processes across the business.’

Hornby aims to release results for its financial year that ends in late March in June.

Shares in Hornby were up 7.5% at 27.40 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.

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