UK-based luxury brand Burberry Group plc has reported an 11% increase in retail sales for the third quarter ended December 31, 2005 rising to £115 million from £95 million in the corresponding period a year earlier.

Wholesale revenues decreased 21%, falling from £47 million to £36 million, although this was said to be due to shipment timing differences relative to the comparative period.

For the first nine months Retail sales rose 18% from £206 million to £242 million and wholesale sales fell 7% from £245 million to £229 million.

Commenting on the results, Rose Marie Bravo, chief executive, stated, In this retail dominated quarter, we were pleased with the results for the all-important holiday period. The business was led by our core outerwear and reinvigorated classics. At the same time, the favourable initial response to early spring deliveries across all categories provides a good start to Burberry’s 150th year.”