Trading Statement

Burberry Group plc First Half Trading Update October 14, 2002. Burberry Group plc reports on trading for its first half ended 30 September 2002. Highlights * Total revenues increased by 15% * Retail sales up 17% on an underlying* basis, driven by existing and new store performance * Wholesale sales increased 8% (4% on an underlying basis reflecting earlier shipments of autumn product) * Orders received to date indicate single digit growth for the Spring/Summer 2002/03 wholesale order book * Licensing revenue up 14% driven by strong volume growth in Japan *Underlying figures are calculated at constant exchange rates and exclude the impact of the Asia acquisitions. Burberry acquired the operations of its primary distributors in Asia outside of Japan in January 2002 and July 2002 (the 'Asia acquisitions'). Commenting on the trading results, Rose Marie Bravo, Chief Executive, stated, 'Burberry's performance in the first half was on track, driven by growth in key product categories, targeted geographies and distribution channels. These results were particularly notable given the trading conditions. Moving into the second half, we remain confident in our strategies while mindful of the difficult and uncertain environment.' Total revenues Total revenues in the period increased by 15% (17% at constant exchange rates), or 9% on an underlying* basis (i.e. at constant exchange rates and excluding the impact of the Asia acquisitions) compared to the six months ended September 2001. Retail On an underlying basis, retail sales in the first half increased by 17%, driven by sales gains at existing stores and by recent contributions from newly opened stores. Total retail sales increased 32%, boosted by the contribution from stores and concessions added as part of the Asia acquisitions. During the period, Burberry experienced continued strength in the US market. The Company opened five stores, including a flagship store in Barcelona, three Burberry stores, in Heathrow Airport, Hong Kong and Coral Gables (Florida), as well as one outlet store in the period. During the second half of 2002/03, the Company plans to open eight new and replacement stores, including flagship stores in New York and London (Knightsbridge), three Burberry stores and three outlet stores. Burberry recently announced plans for a store in Milan, its first store in Italy, which is scheduled to open in late 2003. Wholesale Total wholesale sales increased by 8% during the period. Consistent with previous announcements, Burberry's 2002/03 Autumn/Winter wholesale order book was largely unchanged from the prior year. On an underlying basis, wholesale sales increased by 4% reflecting earlier deliveries of autumn product relative to last year. On the basis of orders received to date, Burberry anticipates that its aggregate Spring/Summer 2002/03 wholesale order book will show single digit growth over the prior year. The majority of Spring/Summer merchandise shipments are concentrated in the fourth quarter of each financial year. Licensing Total licensing revenues in the first half increased by 14% (21% at constant exchange rates), driven by strong growth in Japanese royalties, reflecting double-digit volume gains and increases in certain royalty rates. Burberry anticipates a reduced rate of volume growth in Japan over the balance of the financial year. Licensing revenues will also continue to be affected by depreciation of the Yen/Sterling exchange rate and the termination and absorption into wholesale operations of certain product licenses, in line with our strategy. Burberry will announce its interim results on November 19, 2002 and provide a trading update on third quarter sales on January 13, 2003. Enquiries: Burberry Mike Metcalf COO and CFO 020 7968 0465 Matt McEvoy Strategy and IR 020 7968 0465 Brunswick Susan Gilchrist 020 7404 5959 Charlotte Elston 020 7404 5959 *Underlying figures are calculated at constant exchange rates and exclude the impact of the Asia acquisitions. Burberry acquired the operations of its primary distributors in Asia outside of Japan in January 2002 and July 2002 (the 'Asia acquisitions'). Certain statements made in this Trading Update are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future results in forward looking statements.
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