Sales at lifetime brand Joules grew almost a fifth in the last six months – at a time when many high street competitors have been feeling the pinch.
The Market Harborough fashion chain said revenues were up 18.2 percent at £96.2 million, compared to £81.4 million in the same period last year.
The business said that reflected the brand’s ongoing expansion, its growing customer base – now at more than one million “active” customers – and the strong performance of both its new and core collections.
The chain opened 10 new stores in the six months to November 26, while online sales also continued to grow, helping revenues from the retail size of the business increase 16.2 per cent to £65.9 million.
A year earlier they had been £56.7 million.
By comparison, six weeks ago Next Plc – a much bigger operation – had reported “extremely volatile” sales for the previous three months, that were below some market expectations.
The Enderby fashion chain said late summer/early autumn sales had been up 1.3 per cent year-on-year – dented by unseasonably mild weather in October.
And while the online Directory business continued to grow, sales from actual high street stores were down 7.7 per cent.
Joules, meanwhile, added that wholesale sales – to stores such as John Lewis and Next – increased by 23 per cent to £30.1 million, compared with £24.5 million in the same period a year earlier.
The brand continues to target international markets.
Chief executive Colin Porter said: “The Joules brand has performed well in the first half of our 2018 full financial year, delivering further expansion across markets, channels and product categories.
“The group’s performance reflects the growing appeal of the Joules brand amongst both new and existing customers across our target markets.
“We look forward with confidence to the second half of the financial year, underpinned by the strength of the Joules brand and our collections.
“Whilst trading conditions will remain challenging, we have seen good growth in our wholesale order book for Spring/Summer 18 and are well positioned for the Christmas trading period.”
Joules was launched in Britain by Tom Joule nearly 30 years ago when he started selling his range of colourful clothing and wellies at country fairs.
It has evolved into a lifestyle brand with an authentic British twist.
The company sells its clothing, footwear and accessories for women, men and children, as well as an expanding range of homewares, toiletries and eyewear collections in its network of retail stores, online, at rural shows and events and wholesale channels.
