Bonmarché posts 6.5% revenue increase in first half

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Nov 23, 2015

Bonmarché, the UK womenswear retailer, reported a 6.5% revenue increase to £97m in the 26 weeks to September 26 (H1 FY16). In the same period, like-for-like sales increased by 2%.

However, profit before tax fell to £5.4m (£6.4m on a pre-exceptional basis) from £6.4m in H1 FY15. During the period, Bonmarché launched a test TV advertising campaign to introduce its brand to a wider audience, and appointed a new multi-channel and marketing director. It also opened eight new stores/concessions and launched a fully responsive website.

Beth Butterwick, Chief Executive of Bonmarché, commented: “Bonmarché’s performance for the first half of the year has been satisfactory and we have made further progress against our strategic objectives. I am pleased with the improvement in store like-for-like sales, which is a testament to the value of our loyal customer base, in a market which remains challenging.

"I am also pleased with the progress being made by the new marketing and multi-channel teams to turn around online sales. Trading conditions during November have been challenging, due to very mild, wet weather. Our expectations for the full year remain unchanged, provided that trading conditions normalise for the remainder of the financial year."