TIDMAXN 
 
RNS Number : 6003N 
Alexon Group PLC 
15 June 2010 
 

                                                                    15 June 2010 
 
                                ALEXON GROUP plc 
                      AGM and Interim Management Statement 
 
At the Annual General Meeting to be held later today, Alexon Group plc ("Alexon" 
or the "Group") will make the following interim management statement for the 
period from 1 February 2010 to 14 June 2010. 
 
Trading since the year end has been broadly satisfactory against a backdrop of 
poor consumer confidence and continued economic uncertainty. Group like-for-like 
sales for the 19 weeks ended 12 June 2010 were down 5.4%. Due to increased 
levels of promotional activity, margins experienced a small negative impact 
during the period. 
 
In terms of relative brand performance, Dash, Kaliko and Minuet performed well 
and once again continued with their positive sales trend. Dash benefited from a 
significant expansion in the number of retail outlets it operates from, whilst 
Kaliko and Minuet benefited from a series of store and concession refits and 
refurbishments. Kaliko, in particular, was very positive in like for like terms. 
Two factors contributed to a worsening in our overall like for like sales 
performance for the period: firstly, whilst trading at Ann Harvey continues to 
improve season-on-season, recent sales have been significantly impacted by 
transport distribution issues caused by the volcanic ash cloud which delayed a 
key high summer stock package. Secondly, Eastex's performance significantly 
deteriorated in the period leading up to and immediately following the UK 
election, possibly reflecting low consumer confidence amongst Eastex's target 
market and has not yet fully recovered. As anticipated, Alex & Co continued to 
underperform, and we remain focused on renewing its branding and product ranges 
for the Autumn/Winter 2010 season, the range previews for which have been well 
received by host stores and focus groups. 
 
Following our successful Capital Raising in March 2010, we remain focused on 
accelerating our turnaround strategy. We are progressing well with the 
restructuring of our store portfolio and further to the initial 36 surrendered 
leases announced at the time of the Capital Raising, we have now agreed a 
further four surrenders, two assignments and two temporary lets, all of which 
are currently being finalised. Negotiations in respect of a number of other 
properties are still in progress. 
 
Similarly, work on upgrading and updating our internal systems is on track, with 
tenders received for the replacement of the warehouse management system and 
advanced discussions taking place with regards to the replacement of our store 
communications system. 
 
Further investment in our online capabilities continue to benefit the Group, 
with all brands now trading via their own sites and via the Debenhams and House 
of Fraser websites, Kaliko also trades through the John Lewis Partnership site. 
Total online sales during the period are up 135%. 
 
The concession and store refit programme is progressing well, with 17 refits 
completed in the period and a further 17 currently planned to happen in the 
second half.  The new brand identities for Eastex and Dash are nearing 
completion with the first stores to be completed by the end of July in Bath and 
Marlborough respectively. In terms of new openings, Alexon Group has opened 34 
new outlets across the brand portfolio during the period, with a similar number 
of confirmed openings planned through the remainder of the year. 
 
Looking ahead, the Board anticipates that the current challenging environment 
will continue following the upcoming budget. However, subject to a return to 
normal trading patterns for Eastex over the coming months, we remain on track to 
deliver a good performance for the full year. 
 
Enquiries: 
 
+----------------------------------------------+---------------------+ 
| Alexon Group plc                             | 01582 723131        | 
+----------------------------------------------+---------------------+ 
| Jane McNally, Chief Executive Officer        |                     | 
+----------------------------------------------+---------------------+ 
| John Boyle, Group Finance Director and       |                     | 
| Company Secretary                            |                     | 
+----------------------------------------------+---------------------+ 
|                                              |                     | 
+----------------------------------------------+---------------------+ 
| Brunswick Group LLP                          | 020 7404 5959       | 
+----------------------------------------------+---------------------+ 
| Simon Sporborg / James Olley / Zoe Bird      |                     | 
+----------------------------------------------+---------------------+ 
 
 
This information is provided by RNS 
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange 
   END 
 
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