The Perfume Shop chain has revealed a bounce back in post-pandemic sales with annual revenue hitting £289 million, as customers enjoyed physical shopping and testing fragrances before they buy.
The 18.5% sales rise in 2022 from the prior 53 weeks came as trading was uninterrupted by lockdowns, recently filed accounts show.
Bestsellers during the period included classic favourites such as Dior Sauvage and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, as well as new launches Prada Paradoxe and Paco Rabanne Fame.
The company, which has 211 stores in the UK and Ireland and is owned by Hong Kong-headquartered health and beauty group A.S Watson, also saw pre-tax profits improve to £21 million from £20 million.
The Perfume Shop, which counts branches in Cheapside, Victoria, and White City among its 17 London sites, added that positive momentum has continued this year, with strong performances around Valentine’s day and Mother’s and Father’s days.
Managing director Gill Smith said a scheme that addresses the loss of VAT-free shopping would help trade further.
She said: “Tax refund shopping was important to our business and as travel has opened up more this year, anything which provides a level playing field for the UK to compete for international tourists is to be supported to ensure the UK maintains its position and a leading-edge vibrant place to shop.”
