Burberry announces global expansion - graduate jobs

Graduates looking for jobs in the retail sector could benefit from a new expansion announced by fashion house Burberry.

The raincoats and handbags maker recently revealed a bumper finish to its financial year, with a 32% surge in revenues to £390 million during the three months to March.

The retailer is now planning to expand its store space by 12% to 13% over the next year in a number of countries including China, Latin America and the Middle East.

Founded in 1856, Burberry is best known for its camel, red and black check design.

Burberry and the rest of the luxury sector have experienced a more rapid recovery than other retailers, driven by demand from Chinese shoppers and tourists.

The retailer warned licensing revenues in Japan, where a licensed dealer sells Burberry goods to about 800 outlets, would be broadly flat throughout the year.

Angela Ahrendts, Burberry chief executive, said: "Burberry had a strong finish to the year, driven by our design, digital marketing and retail initiatives, as well as good early progress in China."

She added: "While the luxury industry faces global challenges in the year ahead, we remain confident in our team's ability to outperform, underpinned by the consistent execution of our key strategies."

The fashion house said retail growth was driven by its new stores in China, but all regions experienced double-digit growth. It said its Burberry Prorsum and Burberry London brands outperformed.