Briscoe beats annual profit forecast, remains 'cautiously optimistic' about this year

Briscoe beats annual profit forecast, remains 'cautiously optimistic' about this year
Tina Morrison
By Tina Morrison March 10 (BusinessDesk) - Briscoe Group, which operates stores selling household items and sports goods, beat its full-year profit forecast, and said it was "cautiously optimistic" about the year ahead in a "challenging" retail environment. Profit increased to $47.1 million in the 53 weeks ended Jan. 31, from $39.3 million in the 52-week period ended Jan. 25, 2015, the Auckland-based company said in a statement. That's ahead of the retailer's forecast last month for a profit of at least $46.5 million. Sales rose 9 percent...