Ted Baker plots overseas expansion as sales rise

Ted Baker is to step up its expansion in the US after barnstorming sales in the country helped it deliver a leap in first-half profits. But Ted Baker's UK and European retail sales grew more modestly by 7.8 per cent to £69.2m over the 28 weeks to 13 August, while its gross margins were dented by a higher level of promotional activity.

The retailer said it would open four new concessions, a stand-alone shop and an outlet store in the US in the second half, as well as a store in Tokyo. But it will add another 13 concessions in US department stores, including Bloomingdales and Nordstrum, and a new flagship in New York in 2012. Next year will also see Ted Baker open a shop in China's capital, Beijing.