Sales were up by 20 per cent in the six months to May 31 at H&M Group.

The fashion giant, which has stores in Gloucester and Cheltenham, saw sales rise to £8.4bn in the six months to 31 May, due to an increase in full-price sales and lower costs for markdowns, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Gross profit for the group, which includes H&M, Monki and a number of smaller retailers, increased to £4.36bn during the period, with operating profit increasing to £400m.

The retailer said in-store sales had increased substantially, while online sales continued to do well.

H&M said it continues to be flexible and take quick decisions, in the light of supply chain disruptions, high inflation and the war in Ukraine.