Ted Baker today unveiled a 63.6% jump in ecommerce sales to £22.9m following the launch of local websites for the Canadian and Australian markets.
The boost helped the fashion retailer, a Model retailer in Internet Retailing’s IRUK500 research, report a 20.1% rise in retail sales, to £168.2m, in the first half of its financial year. In the UK and Europe alone, ecommerce sales grew by 56.3% to £20m, from £12.8m at the same time last year, while in North America ecommerce sales lifted by 140.9%.
Chairman David Bernstein said trading across established markets had been strong, while investment in brand-building in newer markets was paying off. New stores were opened in all territories, while, he said, “Our ecommerce business has performed very well and we are encouraged by the contributions following the launch of the Canadian website in November 2014 and the Australian website in June 2015.” Online sales were also boosted thanks to improvements to website design and navigation as well as optimisation for mobile use.
Overall, group revenue rose by 24.5% to £226.8m in the 28 weeks to August 15, compared to the same period last year. Pre-tax profits of £17.8m were 14.6% ahead of last time.
“This strong performance across all channels and territories is testament to the ongoing strength of Ted Baker as a leading global lifestyle brand,” said chief executive Ray Kelvin. “Through the passion of our team, supported by on-going and careful investment in the brand, we continue to attract customers both in the UK and overseas, who recognise our unwavering focus on quality, design and attention to detail.”
Ted Baker sells online, through 416 stores, outlets and concessions, including 184 in the UK.
