Retail news round-up on April 2, 2014: Ultimo inks deal with House of Fraser; WHSmith’s Irish bookstores see profits jump.

Ultimo inks deal with House of Fraser for concession

Lingerie brand Ultimo has reached a deal with UK department store chain House of Fraser to sell on its website, Express reported. TV’s Strictly Come Dancing winner Abbey Clancy will model the brand’s spring and summer range. The collection will now be stocked on the store’s website, houseoffraser.co.uk.

WHSmith’s Irish bookstores see 185% surge in full-year pre-tax profit

Pre-tax profits at WHSmith’s Irish bookstores jumped 185% to €1.5m (£1.24m) in the year to August 31, 2013. Sales rose by 7% to €11.6m (£9.6m) last year, The Irish Examiner reported. The sales and pre-tax profits increases were attributed to the massive sales of the Fifty Shades series by E L James (Arrow).