TBK Ted Baker

RNS Number:7251X
Ted Baker PLC
24 January 2001

                                                               24 January 2001


                                TED BAKER PLC

                      CHRISTMAS RETAIL TRADING STATEMENT

Ted Baker, the designer clothing brand, announces today that retail sales in
the period from 1 November to 24 December 2000 were 19% ahead of retail sales
for the same period last year. Retail gross margins also showed an improvement
over retail gross margins for the same period last year.

Despite this positive performance, retail sales fell below the Board's
expectations as a result of a difficult trading environment, particularly for
clothing retailers. Stock levels remain within manageable levels, despite
being slightly higher than expected, and are not expected to affect future
margins. Furthermore wholesale sales performed well in the period and were in
line with expectations.

As a result of lower than expected retail sales during the period, profits
before tax will be ahead of last year but below current market expectations.

Over the last year considerable investment has been made in the long-term
development of the brand, including a new head office and showrooms, a new
warehouse and additional personnel. The Board believes that the benefits of
these investments will be realised over the medium term.

Commenting on trading, Ray Kelvin, Chief Executive, said:

"Ted Baker's trading performance has not been immune to the factors impacting
consumers' shopping patterns in the run up to Christmas but our brand remains
as strong as ever. While the outcome for the year will be below current market
forecasts, the strength of our brand, coupled with the benefits gained from
the investments made, will ensure continued growth in the future."

Ted Baker plc will be announcing its preliminary results for the year to 27
January 2001 on 5 April 2001.

Enquiries:

Ted Baker:                                           Tel: 020 7255 4800

Ray Kelvin, Chief Executive

Lindsay Page, Finance Director

Hudson Sandler                                   Tel: 020 7796 4133

Piers Hooper

Noemie de Andia

This information is also available on Ted Baker's Investor Relations site at
www.tedbaker.co.uk

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