PROFITS increased by nearly 33 per cent for the half year up to July 31, discount department store operator T.J. Hughes plc has announced.

The company, which has stores in Birkenhead and Ellesmere Port, said profit before tax improved 32.8 per cent to £2.010 million, compared to £1.514m for 1998.

Record results, says TJ's, demonstrate continuing strength of its proven retail formula.

Turnover for all stores increased 29.6 per cent to £54 million (1998: £41.7m) and 'like for like' sales improved by 10.4 per cent.

The company - development of its expanding store network continues with the first store in the South of England opened and the first store in the North East opening shortly - announced that the interim dividend was being raised by 15 per cent to 1.29p (net).

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