Retailer N Brown posts strong online growth in first half

British plus-size fashion retailer N Brown Group Plc said it posted strong growth in online sales during the first half while total group revenue rose marginally.

Shares of N Brown rose as much as 12 percent, making them the top gainers on the FTSE 250 midcap index.

The company, known for its brands SimplyBe and Jacamo, said online revenue rose 7.5 percent year-on-year, with 70 percent of its online traffic coming from mobile devices.

N Brown, which has reduced its range of non-core home and electrical items to focus on fashion clothing, said total group revenue rose 1 percent to 429.4 million pounds ($534 million).

However, the Manchester-based company said adjusted pre-tax profit fell 19.8 percent to 31.6 million.

The retailer said the Autumn Winter season has started in line with its plans and that it is comfortable with current market expectations for the full year.

The company's shares were up 11.5 percent at 196.3 pence at 0749 GMT

$1 = 0.8042 pounds