Department store operator Myer reports solid first-half

Department store operator Myer’s first-half sales increased 1.7% to AUD1.73bn (£1.19bn) and 1.4% on a like-for-like basis.

Net profit after tax edged up 0.7% to AUD87.9m (£60.4m).

Myer chief executive Bernie Brookes said the business had delivered a solid first-half result, including a strong second quarter, which reflected a well-planned and executed Christmas trading period.

Menswear, cosmetics, womenswear, fashion accessories and childrenswear were the best-performing categories. The strongest results came from Western Australia and Queensland.