Stanford to advise on brand development
Moss Bros Group has put a figure on the impact of the July terrorist attacks in London. The retailer said its performance was strong in the half year to July 30. However, central London sales dipped by 6 per cent last month.

This decrease was offset by growth across the rest of the UK, producing flat like-for-like sales for the retailer last month. For the 26 weeks to July 30, like-for-like sales increased by 3 per cent and profit before tax is expected to be at least£1.4 million, up from£700,000 in the first half of last year.

Moss Bros Group chief executive Philip Mountford (pictured) said: 'The company has reacted well to the challenges faced during the first half and continues to make progress, despite the difficult trading conditions. It is encouraging that sales and gross margin have shown steady growth. The last nine weeks of the half are a critical trading period, with like-for-like sales in June up 5 per cent on last year.'

Meanwhile, the retailer announced the appointment of Kevin Stanford as an adviser, focusing on brand development. He has a 28 per cent stake in Moss Bros, as well as interests in several fashion retailers, from Karen Millen to Marks & Spencer.

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