In what has been an extremely turbulent year for the fashion market, the shining lights in Arcadia’s laudable 13% profit rise were once again Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge.

In what has been an extremely turbulent year for the fashion market, the shining lights in Arcadia’s laudable 13% profit rise were once again Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge.

The young fashion chains have for some time been the key drivers for the success of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia group.

They undoubtedly lead the way in the young fashion stakes, particularly Topman which dominates the more difficult but under penetrated young menswear market.

However Arcadia’s more mainstream brands are rarely highlighted and remain poorer performers than their young fashion counterparts.

They may not be as sexy as Topshop but there is a lot that can still be done with those brands and Green has been uncharacteristically quietly testing new things in these stores to refresh and revitalise them in a rather staid middle market.

Dorothy Perkins outfits are now featuring frequently in the ‘most wanted’ list of many fashion magazines. It is has also been extending its price points with its Dorothy Perkins Limited range and selling a small selection of brands.

Wallis is also looking smarter and upping its design credentials. It also launched a popular new range in collaboration with model Yasmin La Bon.

The over thirties market is still in need of some real impact and with Principles no longer on the high street there is a real opportunity to try and grow market share and give the woman who no longer shops in Topshop something smart and affordable without being too old and frumpy.

These brands, along with Evans and Burton are also now rolling out in Bhs stores. Now part of the enlarged Arcadia group, Green using Bhs to showcase some Arcadia brands makes a great deal of sense both in terms of space, and to firm up the Bhs fashion offer.

This has never been quite as strong as its homewares offer and once again, with the penetration Arcadia has on the high street, they are better positioned than most to grow share.

Many people are talking now about a return of the middle market. Once the worst affected by the downturn, there is now an argument that families, who are still benefitting from lower mortgage and fuel rates, will now start spending more if they finally feel more secure and that the economy is on the turn.

The young fashion market, once seemingly immune to the downturn, could now start to suffer with graduates failing to find jobs and continued delays to student loans.

Green says that he does not see things getting much better next year and said that he does not see any area that is “on fire” at the moment.

But with the power of the Arcadia business, and his experience in every type of market condition, Green will be battered by the economic storm less than most.

And there could soon be some different stars emerging from his retail group.