Rebel Sports posted sales of A$672.9 million ($438.1 mm) for the fiscal first half ended Dec. 30, down 1% from A$681.9 million, as comps declined 2.6% on lower units per transaction. Strength in soccer and licensed were offset by falling footwear and apparel. Lower demand for high value items such as treadmills, home training and basketball equipment also dinged H1. Gross margin contracted 70 b.p., which was fully attributable to impacts from the launch of the banner’s loyalty program, holding flat otherwise on promotional discipline as competitors turned to discounting. This ... Log in to view full article.