Ted Baker reports double digit sales

British designer brand Ted Baker was today celebrating a double-digit sales boost after strong demand for its collections in the run-up to Chistmas.

Ted Baker said sales increased by 11% in the two month period to December 24, compared to last year.

Signature pieces in their autumn/winter womenswear collections included classic bias cut dresses evoking the 1920s, oversized knitwear, and teal and chocolate duffel coats.

Key lines from the menswear collection included a navy coat and Tweed slim-leg trousers both inspired by military trends.

The strong pre-Christmas sales meant the clothing and accessories brand began the new year with a clean stock position while gross margins were in line with last year’s levels, the trading statement said.

A new licensed store opened in Dubai in December, Ted Baker’s sixth across Asia and the Middle East.

As further store openings are scheduled, global expansion will remain firmly on the agenda, the company added.

Ted Baker currently has 28 stores in the UK, US and Europe, not including the six licensed branches.

The results, relating to the period between November 1 and December 24, were slightly ahead of the forecast of 10.6% by Investec Securities.

Ted Baker chief executive Ray Kelvin said: “We are pleased to report another strong performance for Ted Baker in the UK and overseas and look forward to the brand’s continued development.

“The performance is in line with expectations and we look forward to a successful outcome for the full year.”

Ted Baker’s share price had been boosted to 630.25p, a spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, privately-owned clothing retailer Fat Face said sales increased 35% in the five weeks to December 30. Margins also improved.

Total sales for the active lifestyle brand, which sells clothes and accessories for skiing, climbing and surfing enthusiasts, grew 38% in the six months before November 25, according to unaudited results for the period.

Fat Face has also expanded towards the Middle East with a franchise deal with MAF signed and one store already open in Dubai.

Chief executive Louise Barnes said: “This has been yet another six months for Fat Face. We are pleased with our performance in what has been a mixed climate for retail generally.”

She added: “Christmas was again a good period for us, against strong comparatives and high levels of competitor discounting and we are encouraged by our results.

“We are confident, as we go into 2007, that we will continue to deliver against our plans.”