Edinburgh-based Wellington boot firm Hunter has said a push in Japan has helped its profit margin increase, keeping its business plan on track.
Hunter reported that consolidated revenue grew to £104.5 million - up 2 per cent - with gross profit margin increasing by six percentage points and earnings before tax sitting at £6.9m
The company said there was strong performance outside of Europe and North America, where sales grew by £3.8 million - up 78% - following the decision to assume direct control of Hunter’s sales and distribution activities in Japan.
Sales in Europe were up by £0.6m (2%), due to new distributors and licensing income, Hunter said in its strategic report for the year ended December 31, 2017.
North American sales declined by £2.8m (4%), owing to a "challenging department store environment".
The company recently welcomed Jim Calhoun, former president and chief executive of Converse, to the board of directors.
Mr Calhoun’s significant branding and retail experience from his tenure at Converse, Nike, and Disney is said to further strengthen Hunter’s board.
Hunter also appointed Lizzie Samuels as merchandising director and Roope Karmavuo as commercial director.
Ms Samuels joins Hunter from Burberry and Mr Karmavuo was director of sales for Canada Goose International AG.
Vincent Wauters, chief executive of Hunter, said: “This year represents an important milestone in the execution of our plans.
"Continued investments in operational excellence led to significant gross profit expansion, laying the foundation for improved distribution capability and further enhancing our online shopping experience."
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