Burberry sales up 10%

Fashion house Burberry posted a 10% rise in sales today after it benefited from “extraordinary” demand for its new range of luxury handbags.

The company said total sales were up from €525m to €579m in the first half of the year, driven by a strong performance at its stores.

Burberry, famous for its camel, red and black check, said it was also boosted by the clamour surrounding its 150th anniversary.

Chief executive Angela Ahrendts said: “Continued strength in outerwear and womenswear, as well as the extraordinary consumer response to the launch of the Burberry Icons Collection of luxury handbags, have fuelled excellent retail performance across markets.

“Our distinctive 150th year advertising campaign and unprecedented editorial coverage contributed to the sales momentum.

“As a whole, performance in the first half is consistent with expectations for the full financial year.”