Sparkling year by fashion retailer
Sales at women's clothing and footwear retailer Hobbs jumped 24.2 per cent to£94.7 million and EBITDA rocketed 49.1 per cent to£20.8 million for the year to January 27.

Hobbs said that five standalone stores and 11 concessions were opened during the period, bringing the total to 106 and it remains on target to have 115 outlets by January. It also successfully launched a jewellery range, which has increased its accessories offer to account for 8 per cent of sales.

It is actively developing its international expansion programme. Since January, it has launched three stores in the Middle East with a franchise partner and is pursuing further openings.

Hobbs chief executive Nick Samuel said: 'This year has been a hugely successful year for Hobbs. Our results clearly demonstrate the success of the initiatives we launched last year to strengthen our overall offering to the customer while also improving the underlying efficiency of the business. We anticipate a further year of growth as we continue to develop the Hobbs brand in the UK, internationally and online.'

Seymour Pierce analyst Andrew Wade said: 'This was an excellent performance from Nick Samuel and his team at Hobbs, although it comes as no surprise given the quality of the brand and the steps that the business has taken over the past 18 months.'

Sales for the first quarter to April 28 jumped 6 per cent, in line with expectations.