Carpetright PLC
03 February 2004

3rd February 2004





                                Carpetright plc

                        Post January Sale Trading Update




Carpetright plc, Europe's leading specialist carpet and floor coverings
retailer, today reports its post January sale trading update, which covers the
period 2 Nov 2003 to 31 January 2004, the comparable first 13 weeks of the
second half of the financial year ending 1 May 2004.



The UK business has recorded a total sales increase of 7.3% compared to the same
period last year, with like for like sales increasing by 4.6%.  Gross margin is
level with the same period last year.  The business is now trading from 364
stores, as well as 18 concessions in Allders.



The Benelux business continues to perform in line with our expectations with
same store sales showing growth on the comparable period last year while we
continue to achieve the improved levels of gross margin and costs recorded in
the first half.  The business is now trading from 87 stores.



Lord Harris of Peckham, Chairman and Chief Executive said:



'Our UK business has seen an encouraging January sale period with strong like
for like and total sales growth, as well as continued improvement in market
share. With gross margin firm and variable costs remaining tightly controlled we
continue to improve profits compared to last year. Our Benelux business
continues to show encouraging progress towards our medium term objectives with
growth in market share combined with gross margin and cost improvements coming
through.'



The Group will report its post Easter trading update on 20 April 2004 (first 24
weeks of the second half). The financial year will close on 1 May 2004.



For further information:



Carpetright plc

Lord Harris of Peckham, Chairman and Chief Executive

Darren Shapland, Finance Director

Telephone 01708-525522



Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Patrick Toyne Sewell / Sara Batchelor

Telephone 020-7638-9571


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