Danish clothing group Bestseller managed to deliver increased profit in its wholesale division last year despite a challenging market.

The group, which has a related retail business here trading as Vero Moda, Jack Jones and Only, saw profit before tax increase to €1.76 million in the 12 months to July 2012 from €1.6 million the previous year.

Turnover in the period was €37.1 million, a 5.7 per cent increase on the €35 million recorded in 2011, according to figures just filed with Companies Office. Despite the higher sales, distribution and selling costs fell slightly.

The company also benefitted from favourable currency exchange rates, which delivered a gain of almost €150,000 for the business compared to a cost of close to €100,000 the previous year.

Although employee number were broadly stable, the company reported a 20 per cent rise in staff costs. Directors’ remuneration also rose, by almost 50 per cent, to just over €200,000.

Bestseller is a subsidiary of Bestseller Wholesale, which is itself owned by Atkieselskabet af 1/8 2000. Both these companies are incorporated in Denmark and are controlled by members of the Holch Povisen family.

The company which specialises in "fast" affordable fashion does not produce its own goods. According to its website, the group works with about 300 suppliers of clothes and accessories, "primarily in China, India, Bangladesh, Turkey and Italy".