Multi title cataloguer N Brown recorded the fastest rate of
revenue growth since 2009 in the year to 2nd March 2013,
delivering sales of £784.7 million ($1.21 billion)-a rise of
6 per cent on the previous year. Operating profit was also up, by
3.1 per cent, to £102.2 million (£158.6 million).
With growth recorded across all product categories, the plus-size
apparel specialist also delivered a robust performance
overseas-particularly in the USA, where Simply Be’s revenues
climbed 75 per cent to £8.5 million. To further capitalise on
its international opportunities, the N Brown is launching US
websites for its Marisota and Jacamo titles to complement the
existing Simply Be business.
Marisota targets customers in their early 50s. Due to its product
range being less fashion-led than younger-skewing title Simply
Be, the brand yields better results from direct mail recruitment.
Jacamo, in contrast, is targeted at brand-conscious 30-something
males who want the convenience of online shopping and branded
clothing in their size. It is N Brown’s fastest growing brand,
with sales up 36 per cent this year. Chief executive Alan White
says creating new sites for the two brands will allow the
business “to deliver a more segmented offer and maintain
high growth momentum”. It is understood the sites will go
live before the end of April
In Germany, following a planned reduction in marketing
expenditure, revenues declined by 38 per cent to £2.2
million. However, by focusing marketing entirely online, N Brown
narrowed losses in the country, with N Brown predicting to
break even in Germany next month.
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