Oroton Group Limited has announced a 53% increase in net profit after tax to $6.1 million for the six months ended 27 January 2007. The company posted a 35.4% increase in earnings before interest and tax to $9.2 million, with improved retail trading conditions for premium apparel brands and accessories.

The company reported that the Oroton brand was key in driving growth, with a 21% increase in sales. The result for its Polo brand was more subdued, up 11% due to difficulties in wholesale trading. The company has sold its Aldo and its Marcs and Morrissey businesses during the period and reduced staff numbers by about 50% in its head office.

The company opened an Oroton online store and also opened four new Oroton retail stores that are performing well and plans to open a further 6 stores in the next 6 months with a new focus on design. The company now operates 25 Oroton stores and 5 factory outlets as well as 10 Polo stores and 3 Polo factory outlets.