Barbour’s profits are up despite a dip in sales

For the full year to April 30, 2024, operating profit was up 15% year on year from £34.3m to £39.56m, while profit before tax also rose from £36.3m to £45.84m.

Barbour also reported a 6% fall in turnover from £343.1m to £321.79m.

In its most recent Companies House filing, Barbour said that while the business experienced a “tougher wholesale market” during the year, its direct-to-consumer and other retail channels performed “very well”.

Barbour noted challenges including the cost-of-living crisis, the war in Ukraine and supply chain disruption but emphasised its confidence in the strength of the brand and its customer base.

Looking forward, the retailer said it remains focused on its vision of being a “trusted and leading British global lifestyle brand”.

To date, Barbour operates in the UK and Ireland and also has wholly owned subsidiaries in Germany, the US and Singapore.

The fashion retailer also said it will continue to invest in technology and logistics to better serve its brand partners and customers alike.

During the year, Barbour also opened a base in Singapore to “ensure demand is met” in the Asia Pacific market.

Barbour said: “Our long-term strategy remains consistent and dedicated to the vision of being recognised as a trusted and leading British global lifestyle brand with distribution channels via wholesale, ecommerce and licensing.

“Despite considerable cost pressures, we wanted to remain good value for our consumers [and] increase our prices in line with the cost increases suffered, minimising supply chain costs, without a loss of service.

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic and post-pandemic world, the group balance sheet remains strong with cash held in the business increasing to £119.7m enabling us to focus on our long term investments and prioritise protecting customer service, sustainability of our brands and the trust in our business ethos.”