Michael Hill finds new transition harder than anticipated as first qtr sales fall

Michael Hill finds new transition harder than anticipated as first qtr sales fall
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Oct. 15 (BusinessDesk) - Michael Hill International is finding it harder to shift away from discount pricing than it anticipated, posting an 8.8 percent decline in first-quarter sales.  The jewellery chain's sales from continuing operations fell to A$112.12 million in the three months ended Sept. 30 from A$122.9 million a year earlier. Same-store sales posted a sharper decline of 11 percent.  The retailer restructured its business this year, quitting the US and exiting its Emma & Roe sub-brand to focus on high-margin sal...