Jewellery retailer Signet today reported a 33% hike in profits after trading sparkled over the Valentine's Day period.

The owner of Ernest Jones and H Samuel said diamond sales were a major driver of success in the UK where its 602 stores again outperformed other retailers.

Unveiling its results for the 13 weeks from the start of February to May 1, Signet said profits of £28.1 million marked "an excellent first quarter".

Same-store sales in the UK rose 6.7% and turnover grew 5% to £97.2 million. Ernest Jones saw the biggest sales uplift - rising 10.2% on a like-for-like basis - to outpace the 4.2% improvement at H Samuel.

Chief executive Terry Burman said: "The drive to grow diamond sales showed further success with upgrading of staff training and customer service contributing to the uplift."

Wednesday June 09, 2004