GyG reported 1H25 network sales growth of 23% and network EBITDA growth of 28%. The strong sales have been helped by growth of breakfast sales and after 9pm. In addition, delivery sales have grown as a share of the business. While there was less operating leverage than hoped, the primary driver is additional store openings, which are a drag on margins in their first 12 months. While near-term leverage is softer, the company’s scope for store growth and margin expansion remains strong.

City Chic’s trading update for 1H25e shows an improvement in sales compared with six months ago, but ongoing challenges in the US and operating losses. We expect better profit margins in 2H25e given cost savings and more full-priced sales. However, we are more cautious on the sales outlook. Fundamentally, City Chic has stabilised its business, but the prospect for decent profit margins is still some way off.