Gerry Weber H1 profits rise

German fashion company Gerry Weber saw net profits for the first half of 2006 rise 22 percent to €10.3 million. Earnings before tax and interest rose 12.7 percent to €17.8 million, while sales gained 12.1 percent to €128 million. Pre-order figures were strong for the Gerry Weber key brand and its sub-labels, which rose 24.4 percent. Pre-orders for the Taifun collection surged 83 percent, while the Samoon brand witnessed a rise of 42.9 percent. Retail activities remain the company’s core business. Sales at the Houses of Gerry Weber rose 31.8 percent. The number of these stores rose from 102 to 120 in the first half of the year, with 44 directly owned and 76 run by franchisees. The company opened its London flagship on Regent Street during the second quarter and another one in Nuremberg, Germany. Furthermore, it will be opening outlets at highly frequented locations like airports and major railway stations. The first such franchise store will be located Lehrter Bahnhof in Berlin. The company is targeting the €50 million mark before the end of the year. Furthermore, it expects sales for this fiscal year to rise to €440 million, and to €500 million in 2006/7. It also aims to increase gross margin by a full percentage point to `0.5 percent.

www.gerryweber-ag.de
30 June 2006

Gerry Weber to expand standalone stores

German fashion house Gerry Weber is planning to expand its Regent Street location with a further three openings set to launch this year. Chief executive officer Gerhard Weber stated the company was looking for sites in fashion mall Bluewater and other major UK cities such as Birmingham .

Weber said there was the potential fo up to 50 company-owned and franchise stores in the UK with at least five in London . The 7.850 sq ft Regent Street store sells the Gerry Weber, G.W., Taifun and Samoon brands, as well as Gerry Weber accessories. The menswear range will be added later this year for autumn 06.

6 March 2006