Fashion chain Monsoon today said sales across the business remained strong but warned the attack in the US would make conditions more challenging.
The group, which owns more than 300 Monsoon and Accessorize stores in the UK, said like-for-like sales were up 11% in the first 18 weeks of its financial year.
Total sales in the period, which began at the end of May, were 19% ahead.
Chairman Peter Simon said the figures reflected strong trading over the summer. He added that 20 more stores were planned overseas in the next two months as the group continues its development outside the UK.
But Simon warned the tragic events in the US could hit consumer confidence in the coming weeks. “Although trading remains strong, recent events linked with worsening economic conditions will prove challenging for the business,” he said.
Despite the downbeat tone, shares in the retail chain leapt 10% to 70.5p after the update.
In July, Monsoon reported pre-tax profits of £24.3m for the year to 26 May, a jump of 6.5%, as women snapped up its dress and evening wear ranges.
The group opened 13 shops overseas in the year, including Denmark, Greece, Iceland and the Middle East.
EGi News 02/10/01
