Mountain Warehouse has posted its 22nd year of consecutive sales growth and committed to investing in its bricks-and-mortar presence, both in the UK and internationally.

The outdoor specialist saw its pre-tax profit soar 14% to £23.7m in the year to February 24, driven by like-for-like and total sales growth of 5.3% and 13% respectively.

The retailer opened a total of 48 net new stores and a shared service centre, creating over 500 jobs during the period in the UK as well as in Poland, the US and New Zealand. The outdoor specialist currently operates 87 international stores in eight countries.

It has pledged to open a further 50 stores this year, creating 550 new jobs, and will open 10 more branches of its gift chain Neon Sheep.

Mountain Warehouse reported that its total international sales for the year rose 20% and now account for more than 30% of total revenue.

It also reported a 23% increase in its online sales and said those now accounted for around a quarter of total sales.

Mountain Warehouse founder and chief executive Mark Neale said he was “delighted” by the results, delivered despite the “obvious headwinds” facing the retail sector.

He said: “It’s no secret that many retailers are finding it tough going, but our relentless focus on value – great outdoor gear for all the family at great prices – continues to hit the mark.

“The results also owe much to the terrific efforts of our 3,500 people and the work that we continue doing to diversify and weather-proof the business.”