Solomon Lew's Premier Investments has made a strong start to the financial year.
Premier Investments reported a lift in first half net-profit by 12.1 per cent to $52.1 million.
Earnings before interest and tax from its retail operations rose 9.2 per cent to $61.5 million.
Stronger sales and lower costs help to offset weaker gros margins.
Retail sales rose 5.3 per cent to $468.4 million and like-for-like sales by 4.4 per cent.
Six of the seven brands in the group achieved sales growth, with Just Jeans returning to positive growth for the first time in several years.
Peter Alexander sales soared by 23.3 per cent while Jay Jays, which is in its turnaround phase, returned to growth in the second quarter.
Premier chairman Solomon Lew said uniquely positioned brands such as Peter Alexander will continue to deliver returns to shareholders.
“Management continues to focus on transformation of the Premier Retail portfolio through a combination of core business improvement initiatives and growth initiatives."
Premier brands include Smiggle, Peter Alexander, Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Dotti, Portmans and Jacqui E.