Jacamo and Simply Be continue to shine for N Brown
N BROWN Group, the plus-size home shopping group has reported strong like-for-like sales growth for the autumn-winter period of 7.9%.
The Manchester-based group which owns the Simply Be, Jacamo, JD Williams and Premier Man brands as well as Figleaves and High & Mighty, said the positive momentum it reported at its half-year had continued through the 19 weeks to January 12.
Reflecting general consumer trends to shopping on the Internet online sales rose 17% and now account for 54% of the business.
The group said it had boosted its marketing budget by £2m and wooed an extra 50,000 new customers.
Chief executive Alan White told TheBusinessDesk.com the star performers in the period were the group’s younger brands, namely Simply Be and Jacamo, with home and gift ranges proving really popular after prices were brought down to drive volume.
He said: “It has been pleasing to see our investments in improved online systems, more customer recruitment and revamped product ranges and pricing continuing to drive a strong sales momentum, despite the lacklustre retail environment.”
Mr White, who will step down later this year, said the process to select his successor, is in its late stages an announcement would be made in the “not too distant future”.
N Brown said its investment was not solely focused on these shores and “strong growth” is being delivered in the US.
In March the group will review the trial of the high street stores it has opened in the last year.
Alan White said: “We are pleased with where we are, though it is noticeable that the shops where we have Simply Be and Jacamo are better-performing.
“While we are encouraged, we are mindful that we have traditionally operated a low fixed cost model, and are therefore cautious, particularly in the wake of the demise of a number of other retail chains. “
