Office to post profits

Office, the shoe retailer, will post a rise in pre tax profit of "at least"50 per cent for the year to February 1st following strong sales over the past year and a buoyant Christmas trading period, according to the Sir Tom Hunter, the chains owner. Like for like sales at the 55 store chain grew by 14.5 per cent over the six weeks to the end of December with total sales up 55 per cent over the period. Hunter plans to open up to 20 new stores this year. The expansion will be partially funded by a £10m cash injection from West Coast Capital, Hunters investment vehicle.