Business

Selfridges bags another record year despite gloomy retail outlook

Selfridges has reported another record trading year
Selfridges has reported another record trading year Selfridges has reported another record trading year

SALES at Selfridges reached £1.75 billion in another record year for the retailer despite a "challenging retail backdrop".

The department store posted an 11.5 per cent increase in sales for the year to February. Operating profit rose to a new high of £181 million.

Selfridges put the performance down to strong growth in accessories after the opening of notable luxury brands Louis Vuitton and Tiffany in its Birmingham store.

The revamp of its London store, which included the addition of a dedicated "accessories hall", also helped to boost sales.

It marks the fifth year running of record results for the company. It also comes amid distress signals from fellow department stores after House of Fraser's collapse and subsequent sale in August and the 99 per cent drop in profits at John Lewis & Partners during the first half.

"We are delighted to deliver such fantastic results, despite difficult retail conditions and consumer confidence uncertainties," commented Selfridges managing director Anne Pitcher.

"We continue to challenge ourselves to be daring in all aspects of our global strategy and to present extraordinary destinations for our customers. We are optimistic for further growth in 2018, with more new openings and all to play for in the run-up to Christmas - where you can expect the unexpected."

Selfridges, which has two stores in Manchester as well as its Birmingham and London sites, said it had invested across both bricks-and-mortar shops and online.

Digital initiatives included launching a Chinese language site, adding an Android app and the roll-out of Selfridges Plus, a subscription service which offers loyal customers unlimited deliveries for a year.

The record results likely mean yet another windfall for Selfridges owners the Weston family.

Last year Galen Weston and his family earned £38.5 million in dividends.