Jewellery store chain Michael Hill International has posted flat same store sales as New Zealand, Canada and the US markets made up for shrinking sales in Australia, its largest market.

Total sales rose 5.1 per cent to $391 million for the nine months ended March 31. Same store sales increased 10.2 per cent to $8.8m in the US, were up 8.9 per cent to $81.8m in New Zealand and 0.8 per cent to $34m in Canada, while same store sales in Australia decreased 2.7 per cent to $239m.

“Third quarter sales were satisfactory in New Zealand, Canada and the US,” chairman Sir Michael Hill said in a statement.

“The sluggishness in the Australian market has resulted in our group same store sales being flat for the nine months. However, the directors are pleased with the solid growth achieved in the three other markets.”

The company’s professional care plan, that offers maintenance and repairs on jewellery, recorded a 208 per cent increase in sales to about $20m for the nine months. This follows record first-half sales of $14.4m in February.

“Cashflow continues to grow for the group due primarily to the ongoing success of the professional care plan product launched in October 2010,” Sir Michael said.

Shares in the company have gained 19.5 per cent this year, trading at $1.02.