Austin Reed sales improve, CC sales down

British clothier Austin Reed has recorded a sales boost in its namesake chain. For the 15 week period ended 14 January, same-store sales increased 2.7 percent. Total sales for the period were up 6.3 percent. The company said performance had improved in men's formal and casual wear, accessories and women's wear. "(...) our strategy of focusing on full-price sales has delivered a further improvement in margins," it added. Meanwhile same-store sales at its CC business dropped 10.5 percent, while total sales plummeted 17.8 percent. However, the company margins were up from last year. "The full effect of these changes will not be seen until later in 2006," said Austin Reed. "We are, however encouraged by the customer reaction to the early deliveries of Spring 2006 products."