Jigsaw enjoys strong sales as it raises its fashion credentials

Jigsaw is back in fashion and has posted a 7 per cent sales jump and profit of £1.5m on turnover of £64.2m.

The chain, that once employed the Duchess of Cambridge as an accessories buyer, hired former John Lewis star Peter Ruis last October to improve its fashion credentials and opened a new flagship in Mayfair on Duke Street earlier this year.

The group, which has more than 63 shops, filed its figures for the year to 28 September and revealed profit ahead 3.8 per cent on the previous year.

A statement from the group said: “We have made a positive start to the new financial year. Turnover and gross profit are ahead of last year. We are optimistic for the future.”

Founded in 1969 and owned and run by John and Belle Robinson, the group was forced to close its Kew chain and recorded a £21m loss in 2012.

Mr Ruis plans to expand Jigsaw via new stores and franchise partners. Another eight stores will open over the next four years.

Its Duke Street Emporium comprises all Jigsaw product lines, a café, as well as its The Shop at Bluebird concept - a collection of other fashion labels. The original The Shop at Bluebird is on King’s Road in London.