Agent Provocateur sells things that customers like

Mar 24 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

EROTIC lingerie firm Agent Provocateur said it was “going from strength to strength” as Brits keep recession at bay in the bedroom.

The company has grown total sales by 8% since the end of March last year, despite the increasing pressure on retailers elsewhere.

Chief executive Garry Hogarth said: “Agent Provocateur is going from strength to strength. Despite the challenges of the global economic environment, we continue to trade strongly.”

The firm, which employs 130 staff in the UK, was founded in 1994 by Joseph Corre – son of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood – and his wife, Serena Rees.

It was bought by private equity company 3i in November 2007 for £60m.

Agent Provocateur has opened 13 new stores and concessions since the deal, bringing its total outlets to 43 in a “period of significant investment”.

It is likely to more than double this number over the next three years, as well as boosting internet sales.