Afflelou growth in tax year 2003-2004

Alain Afflelou has published the results of the fourth quarter of tax year 2003-2004 (February, March and April) and for the whole year.

Annual turnover was equal to 138.4 million euros, in line with the Group's objectives, thanks especially to the good trend on the Spanish market where the launch of the first Tchin Tchin campaign saw revenues increase by 7% in February (launch month), 25% in March and 47% in April.

At 4/30/2004 there were 74 franchised Alain Afflelou Optico stores. Two new outlets had already been opened in June, bringing the total to 76 stores (+12% compared to the time of acquisition).

The turnover for exclusive products is up by 48% compared to the forth quarter of the previous tax year and by 31% for the whole year. There were 6 new openings during the quarter for a total of 39 for the year, excluding the Optique Carrefour stores.

The Afflelou Group had 689 stores at 4/30/2004, an increase of 182 compared to the previous financial year. In detail:
- 546 franchised stores, 14 of which outside France, with the Alain Afflelou sign;
- 69 stores in the Optique Carrefour France circuit, 31 of which now have the Alain Afflelou sign, bringing the total to 577;
- 74 Alain Afflelou Optico franchised stores in Spain.