Fashion brand Burberry today hailed an "outstanding response" to its womenswear designs and new product lines as half-year revenues rose by 13%.

The performance included a 7% lift in sales at the company's high street retail division, a figure helped by contributions from newly opened stores.

Burberry, which increased its selling space by around 12% over the year with new stores in locations such as Texas and New York, said its performance was in line with annual expectations.

The company will provide further details at its full-year results presentation on May 24.

Its expansion plans are set to continue with the addition of seven new stores as well as concessions and expansions over the next 18 months.

Chief executive Rose Marie Bravo said: "In particular the outstanding response to our womenswear designs and use of colour throughout the product lines was a key catalyst across the business."

The group's pink trenchcoat and candy check pink accessories were a "hit" with customers around the world, the company added.

Burberry, which has around 70 stores, said total revenues rose by 13% on a reported basis, and 15% when calculated at constant exchange rates. When calculated at constant exchange rates retail sales were up 12%.

All three of its business divisions - retail, wholesale and licensing - delivered growth.

The US market saw "vigorous" growth, although in Asia, Korea continued to be adversely affected by the volatile environment.

In the UK trends improved later in the quarter, while Southeast Asia, boosted by new stores, achieved solid gains.

Wednesday April 14, 2004