Burberry's latest financial report highlights optimistic trends. For the first half of the 2022 fiscal year ending on October 1, the company's revenue increased by 11% YoY to reach £1.35 billion, operating profit grew by 21% to £238 million, and profit for the six-month period increased by 33% to £193 million. Leather goods sales rose by 11%, with the Lola bag being the best-selling product, and outerwear sales grew by 3%. The newly appointed CEO, Jonathan Akeroyd, expresses positive optimism about current achievements and future trends.
His goal is to increase revenue to £4 billion (at fixed exchange rates) in the middle term and to £5 billion in the long term. This includes a 50% growth in outerwear sales in the middle term and elevating accessory performance to represent over 50% of total sales. The brand also indicates that despite being aware of global economic conditions and market risks in various regions, it will maintain its existing fiscal year expectations.
As can be seen from the "at reported exchange rate" point, Burberry's multiple surprising double-digit growth in its first-half results were partly due to the weakening pound. In the current global economic climate and considering the brand's two key personnel changes in 2022, achieving growth is a positive outcome. With the arrival of Daniel Lee, Burberry has undergone a "purely British" transformation from CEO to Chief Creative Director, marking the beginning of a new journey.
With Daniel Lee's influence and innovation in categories such as leather goods, accessories, and footwear, there is great potential for Burberry to create new iconic products. Ahead of Daniel Lee's debut collection in February next year, there is ample reason to be curious and attentive to Burberry's future.