Sales at online, catalogue and stores retailer N Brown Group have risen for the year ending 1 March 2014 as it planned a new London flagship store.
Group sales rose 6.4 per cent to £834.9m while operating profit increased 4.7 per cent to £107m – slightly below analyst‘s expectations.
As part of its improvement plan, the retailer, which trades as a home shopping retailer under several names, including JD Williams, Jacamo, SimplyBe and High and Mighty, has introduced in-store tablets, and now offers improved fulfillment via collection from 3,000 parcel shops, and has extended its cut off time for next day delivery to 8pm.
It is focusing on the US market – specifically its Simple Be brand – to target the larger female consumer and has looked to invest in marketing, tailored ranges and online capabilities. International revenue for the period grew 21 per cent to £10m.
Angela Spindler, Chief Executive, said: “The Group has maintained momentum across our multichannel offering in terms of both stores and online, growing the customer base and continuing our progress in the USA.
“We are particularly encouraged by the strong performances from our younger titles, primarily driven by Simply Be and Jacamo, and have continued to focus on revitalising our core brand of JD Williams which remains key to achieving our future growth ambitions.”
