Manchester-based clothing and footwear digital retailer N Brown Group said its adjusted profit before tax rose to £3.6 million in the 26 weeks to August 31, 2024, up from £100,00 in the same period of the prior year.

Revenue fell 6.7% to £277.2 million.

In its outlook, the group said trading during the first five weeks of the third quarter has been encouraging.

N Brown’s retail brands include Simply Be, JD Williams and Jacamo. The company employs over 1,700 people.

Steve Johnson, N Brown Interim Executive Chair & Chief Executive, said: “We have built on our return to profit in FY24 by delivering year-on-year progression in the first half of FY25.

“Our focus on maximising profitable sales and managing the cost base in a soft trading environment, has ensured we remain on track to achieve management’s full year adjusted EBITDA expectations and we are encouraged by trading at the start of Q3.

“We have continued to deliver against our self-funded transformational priorities, including the successful launch of the new JD Williams website and our Product Information Management system to the remaining strategic brands, whilst our financial services transformation continues to progress well with the new platform now in testing.

“These developments will enhance the customer experience and will be supported by strengthened marketing activity to help position the business for sustainable profitable growth.”