Rebel Sport continued to outperform and homeware also delivered solid sales growth.
"Financial guidance confirmed a strong result, underpinned by sales growth and a material lift in margins. Briscoe Group is a strong operator, outperforming its peers. It has an enviable market-leading position in two categories with attractive dynamics,'' she said.
Briscoe Group managing director Rod Duke said he was delighted with the group's overall performance in the final quarter.
The strong growth in sales and margin achieved throughout the year continued into the final quarter and, even after adjusting for the additional week's trading, the quarter's sales growth was the group's strongest for the year.
Gross profit margin percentage continued to hold up well and would finish the financial year significantly ahead of last year, he said.
As the current foreign exchange cover in place matured, the weakness of the New Zealand dollar experienced recently would lead to pressure on margins - something that would need to be carefully managed by all retailers with significant import programmes.
The group was also pleased with the growth in online sales, Mr Duke said.
For the full year ended January 31, online sales were more than 40% up on the previous year and strong growth was expected to continue.
For the full year, the group reported sales of $552.9million, an increase of 9.04% on the previous corresponding period.
The group's homeware segment increased sales by 6.13% and the sporting goods segment increased sales by nearly 15%.
On an adjusted same-store basis, the group's sales for the year ended January 31 were 5.44% ahead of the same period last year.
The group expected to report an after-tax profit of at least $46.5million, an increase of at least $7.2million on the pcp.
Forsyth Barr had upgraded its earnings forecasts following the market update, Ms Kinnaird said.
The target share price was also upgraded to $3.40 from $3.30 to reflect the earnings upgrades and after positive Christmas trading.
Market growth had been helped by a buoyant housing market and sportswear becoming a mainstream fashion trend.
The company had an outstanding track record of double-digit earnings growth over the past five years, she said.
