How did Universal Store (ASX:UNI) perform in the first 43 weeks of FY26?

Universal Store Holdings Limited reported a 14.0% increase in total group retail sales for the first 43 weeks of the 2026 financial year. This growth was supported by strong performances across its core brands, particularly through store expansions and resilient consumer demand.

What was the standout performer in the Universal Store (ASX:UNI) portfolio?

The Perfect Stranger (PS) brand was the primary growth driver, recording a 39.8% increase in total sales for the 43-week period. This surge was largely fueled by aggressive scaling, with seven new store openings year-to-date bringing the total network to 26 locations.

How is the flagship Universal Store brand performing compared to earlier in the year?

The Universal Store (US) flagship brand saw an acceleration in growth during the second half of FY26. Specifically, like-for-like (LFL) sales rose by 8.1% in the first 17 weeks of H2, compared to the 7.1% growth reported in the first seven weeks of the same half.

What is the current store network status for Universal Store (ASX:UNI)?

As of the update shown in image_3878a4.png, the Universal Store flagship brand operates 87 stores following four openings and one closure this year. One additional store is planned for June 2026.

What are the key like-for-like (LFL) sales metrics for the Group’s brands?

According to the data in image_3878a4.png, the Group achieved positive LFL growth across all major segments for the 43-week period: Universal Store grew 8.5%, Perfect Stranger grew 12.9%, and CTC grew 3.8%.

Why did Universal Store (ASX:UNI) issue a notice of impairment for CTC?

The company issued a notice of impairment regarding CTC intangible assets, signaling a strategic revaluation of the brand’s long-term position. While CTC's physical stores have performed well with 17.9% LFL growth, the impairment suggests that the accounting value of certain non-physical assets, like brand names or goodwill, may no longer be fully supported by future cash flow projections.

Is consumer demand for Universal Store Holdings Limited (ASX:UNI) weakening?

The data suggests demand remains resilient, as evidenced by the 14.0% total sales growth and accelerating LFL sales in the flagship brand. However, there are signs of slight softening in some areas; for example, CTC’s LFL growth dipped slightly from 18.0% in the first seven weeks of H2 to a 17.9% year-to-date average.

Universal Store reports strong FY26 sales growth

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished May. 5 2026Last Updated May. 5 2026

Universal Store (ASX:UNI) has released a trading update for the first 43 weeks of the 2026 financial year, showcasing momentum across its retail portfolio.

The group reported a 14% increase in total retail sales, driven by aggressive expansion and resilient consumer demand.

The Perfect Stranger brand emerged as a standout performer, recording a 39.8% total sales growth, bolstered by the opening of seven new stores year-to-date.

The rapid scaling has brought the brand’s network to 26 locations, with management confirming no further openings for the remainder of FY26.

The flagship Universal Store brand maintained steady progress, achieving 11.8% total sales growth and an 8.1% lift in like-for-like sales during the first 17 weeks of the second half.

The performance marks an acceleration from the 7.1% growth reported earlier in the period.

The US network currently stands at 87 stores, with plans to add one more location in June 2026 following four recent openings and one scheduled closure.

Meanwhile, CTC physical stores continue to deliver solid results with a 17.9% LFL growth year-to-date, despite a slight softening from the 18.0% growth seen in the first seven weeks.

While the group continues to navigate the retail landscape with confidence, the update also included a notice of impairment regarding CTC intangible assets, signalling a strategic revaluation of the brand's long-term position within the broader portfolio.

At the time of reporting, Universal Store's share price was $7.27.