Italian luxury label Giorgio Armani has SpA reported double-digit operating profits for the first half. Sales also rose after the company increased the amount of directly owned stores in its portfolio. Earnings before interest and tax increased 10 percent to €97 million (£65.7 million) on revenue growth of 8 percent to €697 million.

The company said sales at directly-owned stores increased 13 percent thanks to brands relying less on third-party retailers to generate revenue. Sales in Japan and greater China, and within the Emporio Armani diffusion line, performed particularly well during the period.