Web sales up 50%
Home shopping giant N Brown produced a strong performance in the year to February 24, with a 21 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to£65.4 million.

Sales rose 14 per cent to almost£534 million. N Brown's online performance was particularly strong, as internet sales grew by more than 50 per cent to£112 million. Online now represents 22 per cent of the retailer's sales.

Current trading has remained robust, with sales growth of almost 18 per cent for the first ten weeks of the new financial year, and web sales up to 26 per cent of the mix.

Chief executive Alan White said the retailer increased sales across its portfolio, which is focused primarily on fashion, but also includes some home and leisure products. The retailer particularly specialises in niche markets and outsize fashions, which range up to size 38.

'We have focussed on improving the quality and scope of our catalogue and product ranges, providing better customer services and the continued development of all our channels to market,' said White.