Radley boosted by US business as sales rise

Radley posted an 8.2% increase in sales to £92.9 million in the year to 28 April 28, having been boosted by expansion in the US, as well as sales via the QVC TV channel and online, it has been reported.

According to The Times, the quintessentially British handbag and accessories brands recored underlying earnings of £6.9 million, up 9%, during the period.

A deal with US department store group Macy's had contributed to a 104% increase in US sales to £19.2 million and the Camden-based company now has an office in Dallas to manage its American business.

Radley was established as a stall in Camden Market in 1998 and was acquired by private equity house Bregal Freshstream in 2016, shortly before the Brexit referendum. It is headed by CEO Justin Stead.

In its accounts the company said it had been impacted in the UK by the administrations of department stores House of Fraser and Debenhams. It said distribution via these channels had now settled down but "the future distribution and number of stores these operators will continue to trade from remains uncertain".