Esprit in profits jump
Strong sales growth in Europe and Asia
Fashion retailer Esprit has reported a 76.2 per cent jump in first half profits after seeing sales rise in Europe and Asia.
Esprit, based in Hong Kong saw profits increase to HK$1.65bn in the six months to December 31, up from HK$937m a year earlier. Sales increased by 30.6 per cent to HK$10.45bn.
Retail sales increased 36.2 per cent with 9.5 per cent growth in comparable-store sales. Esprit said Europe was its best performing retail market, with a 42.9 per cent increase in sales, including healthy growth from comparable stores. The Asian retail operations recorded a 35.9 per cent year-on-year increase in turnover.
Esprit runs 580 stores worldwide, as well as 6,000 concesionss in department stores, selling in more than 40 countries.