Agent Provocateur's party wear helps lift sales and profits

Shoppers snapping up skimpy outfits to wear to parties helped lingerie brand Agent Provocateur post rising sales and profits last year.

The retailer, which is backed by private equity group 3i, recorded a 4% increase in same-store sales while profits edged up 5% to £10.1 million.

Turnover increased 16% to £62 million in the year to March 29, according to figures released to the Evening Standard.

The retailer said sales of dresses, slips and kimonos to be worn beyond the bedroom — as well as a step up in store openings worldwide — had helped deliver the growth.

The firm this year opened the first of five stores under its L’Agent brand, its collaboration with actress sisters Penelope and Monica Cruz.