N Brown has revealed that 78.5% of its income came from online sales, after announcing plans to go digital-only last year.
This has grown from 71% at the same time last year.
In this morning’s trading update, the Manchester specialist fashion retailer said that quarter 3 saw “robust growth.”
“The Group delivered robust online Power Brand growth and a stable margin performance in what was a challenging and highly promotional peak trading period,” said chief executive, Steve Johnson.
“We continue to manage the anticipated decline of our legacy offline business and remain focused on improving our customer proposition to drive profitable online growth. Trading over the Cyber and Christmas periods was relatively consistent and in line with our expectations, with the Group benefiting from a more targeted and efficient approach to its promotional activity.”
The company has also received a final ruling on a dispute with HMRC over VAT of “certain marketing costs.”
As a result it says its marketing cost will increase by £6m to £9m each year from next year.
However, it may appeal the ruling.
Simply Be and Jacamo saw growth, with product revenue up 1.6% and 5.5% across online and stores. JD Williams however declined by 3.3%. The statement added that the group was “currently re-evaluating its proposition for JD Williams and will provide further details at its Full Year results later in the year.”
