French Connection kicks off well
T-SHIRTS emblazoned with the slogan 'FCUK Football' are flying off the shelves ahead of this summer's World Cup, according to French Connection chairman and chief executive Stephen Marks.
'Women particularly seem to like them,' said Marks, who announced a 21% jump in profits for the fashion group, to £23.2m before tax and goodwill. The shares rose 20p to 802 1/2p, helped by news that the current year has also got off to a good start.
Sales for the 12 months to 31 January rose by 17% to £225.7m, with a like-for-like increase of 5% across the UK and European retail chain.
The United States was hit by the aftermath of the 11 September terrorist attacks, and the retail chain there made a loss of £2.5m. Licensing income surged from £700,000 to £1.7m, helped by new products such as the FCUK range of alcopop drinks.
A variety of French Connection shoes will be available in the autumn and further product launches are under consideration, said Marks. The dividend total goes up by 23% to 8p a share.
