Significant growth comes from Debenhams' designers
01 Nov '06
2 min read
Chairman's statement: During the year Debenhams has enhanced its position as one of the leading department store groups in the world, offering stylish products at affordable prices.
Against a challenging retail backdrop, we have again increased profits, sales and market share while accelerating our store opening plans, improving the supply chain and successfully refurbishing our existing stores.
There is still significant growth potential to come from our Designers at Debenhams and own-label brands, while our unique mix of own, international and concession brands gives this business huge flexibility.
In addition, we are accelerating plans to expand our portfolio of department stores, either by acquisition or new store openings, and believe there is potential to increase our portfolio from 132 up to 240 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland. We also have plans to increase our international store franchises from 30 to over 70 stores by the end of the 2010 financial year.