Ted Baker to expand Endurance range

Trendy fashion label Ted Baker today pinned its hopes on a range of hi-tech clothes - including a mosquito-repelling T-shirt - to boost sales.

The London-based group said the Endurance brand had sold well during 2001 and it now planned to increase the range.

Other Endurance items include crease-resistant suits, anti-bacterial clothes to keep the wearer smelling fresh, shirts that do not require ironing and water-resistant dinner jackets.

Finance director Lindsay Page said: ‘‘It has definitely established itself as a collection in its own right - there will be a much bigger range for the coming months.’’

Ted Baker, which has a store in New York and a concession in Stockholm, is also aiming to increase its overseas presence.

The range is currently available at Brown Thomas stores nationwide.

As well as looking at opening in other countries, it will significantly enlarge the New York store this year.

The shop is near the site of the World Trade Centre and was shut immediately after the attacks. Customers were then restricted to local residents.

Mr Lindsay said central London stores and concessions had also been affected by September 11, and sales had slowed when the bombing campaign in Afghanistan started.

However, demand has since picked up and like many retailers Ted Baker reported strong sales over the festive season.

Ted Baker has 19 stores as well as 30 concessions and five factory outlet stores.

Shareholders will receive a total dividend of 7.8p per share, an 11.4% hike on last year’s payout.