Fashion retailer Jigsaw has reported a sharp increase in sales as strong demand for dresses and other key categories helped the company make further progress with its turnaround strategy despite challenging conditions on the UK high street.
The retailer said sales increased 18% in the six months to July compared with the same period a year earlier, with management pointing to “substantial growth” across several core product categories.
Dresses were a particular bright spot, with sales rising 43% during the spring and summer season. Demand for cover-ups was also strong, while the company highlighted the performance of a yellow suit launched in March that sold out within three weeks.
Store sales increased 11% on a like-for-like basis, despite what Jigsaw described as a subdued market environment. Online sales performed even more strongly, rising 21%, including a 19% increase in the UK and a 48% jump internationally.
The results mark further progress for Jigsaw after it launched a turnaround programme following a £3.5m loss in the year to March 2025.
Tikki Godley, managing director, said the latest figures demonstrated that the recovery was gaining traction as consumers continued to spend selectively.
“Customers are watching their wallets right now, but still choosing Jigsaw.
“We have focused relentlessly on making the product better and more distinctive while bringing greater discipline to how we buy, trade and operate.
“Customers are responding and, importantly, we are seeing that across stores, digital and concessions.”
The company said it was now moving into the next stage of its growth strategy, with a particular focus on expanding its international presence.
Jigsaw is preparing to launch on the Nordstrom and Macy’s marketplaces during the autumn/winter season, seeking to build on the strong growth recorded through its international online operations.
The expansion comes as fashion retailers continue to contend with cautious consumers, elevated operating costs and intense competition across both physical stores and digital channels.
David Ross, Jigsaw’s majority shareholder, said the company’s latest collection provided grounds for optimism as it entered the autumn/winter trading period.
“I would like to thank every single one of our employees in the stores, studio and our suppliers who work day in and out to exceed customer expectations, and deliver our exceptional product to the shelves seamlessly.
“The autumn/winter 2026 season is coming to stores and is one of our best yet. I can’t wait for our customers to see it.”
The results suggest Jigsaw’s strategy of sharpening its product offering while exercising tighter control over purchasing and operations is beginning to translate into stronger demand.
For the retailer, the challenge will now be to sustain that momentum through the crucial autumn and winter trading period while converting its improved domestic performance into durable international growth.
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