N Brown records 'robust' Christmas growth as it steps up overseas plans

The fashion home shopping group revealed that in the six weeks to January 11 like-for-like sales jumped 7.2%.

In the 19 weeks to January 11 total group revenue increased 5.2% and like-for-likes rose 5.1%.

N Brown said it is stepping up capital and revenue expenditure to push ahead with its international plans, including investment in stores and developing infrastructure and systems.

N Brown chief executive Angela Spindler said: “N Brown has continued to deliver robust, reliable growth while stepping up investment in our multichannel, international future. 

“Having been with the business now for six months, I am even more convinced of its substantial long-term growth potential. 

“We are applying the group’s unique skills in larger size fashion through a range of increasingly distinctive, relevant, contemporary brands across a broader base of customers and channels. We are only at the start of grasping this opportunity.”

In the 19 weeks to January 11 N Brown said sales were driven by its younger Simply Be and Jacamo brands. Homewares and family gifts also performed well.

Menswear and footwear did well but N Brown said ladieswear slowed in October and early November because of the unseasonal mild weather.

N Brown said gross margin was “a little” below expectations as a result of markdowns but it said it has delivered a clean stock position for 2014.

N Brown revealed online sales increased, driven by click-and-collect and its next-day delivery services. Next-day deliveries accounted for 40% of demand in the final Christmas week. Online now accounts for 58% of revenue.

N Brown said its seven stores generated like-for-likes up 34% and were profitable in the period.