Burberry on Wednesday reported a 10 percent rise in first half revenue for its 150th anniversary year helped by five new stores opened in the United States and Europe. Burberry said that revenue in the six months ended Sept. 30 rose to 392 million pounds from 355 million pounds a year ago. Retail sales accounted for 43 percent of that growth and wholesale sales contributed 46 percent. Burberry as a brand currently sells womenswear and menswear, handbags, shoes and perfume through its stores in Europe , North America and Asia , as well as in 2,400 specialty and department stores worldwide.

Retail sales rose 23 percent while wholesale revenues increased by 1 percent on the same basis to a combined 351 million pounds ($651.1 million) against 315 million pounds a year ago. For the second quarter ending Sept. 30, overall sales climbed to 257 million pounds ($477 million) from 240 million pounds in the same period a year earlier, the company said. Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts, who joined Burberry in July from Liz Claiborne Inc., credited continued strength in womenswear and outerwear as well as the successful launch of its Icons collection with the positive results. Burberry Prorsum, the luxury line that shows during Milan fashion week, was hailed as one of the top Italian shows for the spring summer 2007 season.