Angling Direct, the UK’s leading omni-channel fishing tackle and equipment retailer, has reported a robust first-half performance for the six months ended July 31st, 2025, with revenue and earnings growth putting the group on track to outperform full-year market expectations.
Group revenue rose 17p er cent to £53.6 million, driven by strong UK performance and an expanding store network. UK sales climbed 17.per cent to £51.1 million, buoyed by both in-store and online strength. Like-for-like UK sales increased 14.2 per cent, reflecting the success of Angling Direct’s omni-channel strategy and growing customer base.
Store sales were up 15.4 per cent, with like-for-like growth of 9.8 per cent, supported by improved footfall. Online sales surged 21.2 per cent, boosted by a rise in unique customer numbers and transaction volumes.
In Europe, sales increased 5.1 per cent to £2.5 million, led by growth in the Utrecht store and a more focused digital approach in Germany and the Netherlands.
The retailer also reported that its MyAD membership programme grew 21 per cent to over 496,000 subscribers, up from 409,000 in January 2025, helping attract and retain new customers.
Gross profit from higher-margin own-brand products grew by approximately 55 per cent, strengthening margins.
Despite softer consumer demand and drier summer weather impacting fisheries in August and September, group revenues for those months still rose 10.8 per cent year-on-year. Post period-end, the company opened three new UK stores in Bradford, Stourport and Burnley, taking its total UK footprint to 57 locations.
Angling Direct now expects to deliver full-year revenues of not less than £102 million and adjusted EBITDA of at least £4.35 million, ahead of prior market forecasts.
The group also continued its investment in technology, contracting a digital shelf-edge labelling provider to improve pricing flexibility and mitigate inflationary pressures from wage and National Insurance increases. The rollout across all stores is expected to complete by the end of FY26.
Chief executive Steve Crowe said: “We are pleased to report that the momentum generated in FY25 has continued into the first half, with strong in-store and online sales providing confidence that the Group will deliver a FY26 trading performance ahead of market expectations.
“The success of our loyalty and repeat purchase programme, MyAD, which grew 21 per cent to over 496,000 members, has been key to engaging customers across our stores and online platforms.
“Despite a challenging consumer backdrop, ongoing investment in technology and customer insights continues to drive growth. Our expanding UK store network and digital strength underpin confidence in achieving our strategic objectives.”
Looking ahead, Angling Direct said it remains focused on executing its medium-term goals, continuing its UK expansion and strengthening its digital business, while maintaining flexibility regarding its European presence to support long-term growth ambitions.