South African-owned Retail Apparel Group has reported strong performance and market gains in its latest results.

In Australia and New Zealand, the group operates the Connor, Johnny Bigg, YD, Rockwear and Tarocash brands.

For the year to March 27, the business’ Australian retail turnover rose 24 per cent compared to the previous year, contributing 15.8 per cent to group-wide retail sales. Australian sales rose to $628.4 million while profit rose from $37.5 million to $52.4 million. The group’s online retail turnover increased by 26.9 per cent.

The group opened 41 new stores and closed 19 stores taking its trans-Tasman store count to 576.

“Between March 2020 and November last year, various countrywide, statewide and localised lockdowns were in place in response to government advice regarding the global pandemic, meaning that all stores in Australia and New Zealand were temporarily closed at various times,” Retail Apparel Group’s parent The Foschini Group reported in a stock exchange filing.

“Outside of lockdown periods, continuing social distancing measures impacted trade, and sales were lower than budgeted.”

The business says current macroeconomic conditions and shipping disruptions will likely continue for the rest of the calendar year coupled with global inflationary pressures and rising interest rates.

“The group will however continue to invest in its key strategic initiatives to further strengthen its differentiated business model, which has proven to be resilient and has delivered superior growth in all its operating territories.”

The Foschini Group bought the Australasian business and its retail brands in 2017 for $302 million.