The total of 76 stores is 11 up on last time. Like-for-like sales in the Joplings, De Gruchy, Robbs and Tynedale department stores were 5% ahead at £25.6m, and 4% overall at £31.7m, helped by growing use of the group's Chargecard. Earnings per share rose 65% to 1.17p and dividend, at 0.35p a share, is up 40%.