Simply Be gives N Brown a half-year high

Manchester-based online fashion retailer N Brown Group has seen revenue climb 5.6% to £453.4m thanks largely to the outstanding performance of its Simply Be brand.

In the six months to September 2 Simply Be sales soared 21% and there were other strong performances in the group’s J D Williams which grew 12.1%.

Jacamo rose 6.7% with overall ladieswear revenues up 9.5%.

Pre-tax profits rose to £32.2m, up 1.8% on the same period last year.

Chief executive Angela Spindler said: “I am very pleased to report continued good trading in the half, with Simply Be the standout performer.

“We made significant ladieswear market share gains against what remains a subdued consumer backdrop. In line with other retailers, foreign exchange rates represent a headwind and this was particularly felt this half.

“Our transformation into a flexible, online retailer continues to benefit all aspects of our business and we are today sharing our three growth levers going forwards.

“These are continuing to gain share in the UK, growing internationally and working in partnership with other companies to offer even more choice to our customers.”