Hunter on firm ground as sales step up by a fifth

Wellington company Hunter Boot has reported that sales jumped by almost a fifth in 2015, although it also highlighted challenges in retail this year.

The Edinburgh-based firm said revenues last year grew to £113.7 million, with growth of 33 per cent in North America. Total adjusted core earnings, however, slid to £14.1m from £15.6m, which it said was in line with expectations.

The company, which was founded in 1856, said that during the year it invested “signifi- cantly” in progressing as a global lifestyle brand.

Chief executive Vincent Wauterssaidhunterhasexperienced “particularly encouraging” growth in the last three years as it pursues this.

He added that 2016 “has presented a challenging retail environment in general, particularly in North America”, but he added: “The measures we have put in place in 2016 will put us in a strong position going into 2017, as we continue to grow and realise the brand’s true potential.”