Indigo Books & Music managed to post a 1.6% sales increase in the first quarter ended June 27, with revenue up to C$193.6 million ($180 million at current exchange rates). Comparable store sales at the company’s superstores rose 1.4%, while same store sales at smaller stores increased 0.8%. Sales through its online channel, chapters.indigo.ca, fell 9.1%, which the retailer attributed to exiting some unprofitable businesses. Net loss in the quarter was C$2.3 million, up from C$1.2 million. The higher loss was due to investment in Indigo’s digital initiative, Shortcovers, and the new, “eco-friendly” stationery and apothecary operation, Pistachio.
