UK and US markets are still 'challenging'
Beauty retailer The Body Shop revealed interim results this morning, showing pre-tax profit down against a backdrop of strong global sales.

The UK division posted like-for-like sales growth of 4 per cent for the 26 weeks to August 27, down from 6 per cent in the first quarter.

Pre-tax profit for the group was£7.1 million, down from£8.2 million last year.

However, trading for the 32-week period to October 8 was positive, with total sales up 7 per cent and comparable store sales up 4 per cent. Body Shop chief executive Peter Saunders said: 'Our plans for the full-year outcome remain unchanged. We expect a 17 per cent to 22 per cent growth in operating profit.'

Steve Davies, analyst at Numis, which acts as a broker for the company, added that although first-half pre-tax profit was 13 per cent down on last year, 'it is important to remember that the company has been buying franchises so its profits are weighted towards the second half'.

The retailer will open its first Russian store in December.

Saunders added: 'Many markets around the world continue to be challenging, particularly the UK and US.'

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