White stuff defies recession

White Stuff, the fashion retailer set up by Sean Thomas and George Treves, has defied the

recession with a 43pc increase in turnover and profits up 59pc last year.

Despite what the company described as a challenging market, Sally Bailey, chief executive, said the company was going ahead with plans to open a further 10 stores by the end of the year and doubling the size of its distribution centre.

Ms Bailey said: "Our customers are feeling guilty about making purchases so they need the most compelling reason to buy. We've worked hard to create a unique shopping experience that is unlike anything else on the high street." During the year to the end of May, turnover jumped from £58.4m to £83.7m, while profit before tax was up from £9.2m to £14.6m.