THE country clothing firm J Barbour and Sons, which is favoured by rock stars, royalty and ramblers, aims to open more overseas stores this year.

The South Shields-based company – famous for its waxed jackets – said it had “performed strongly” in its annual results for 2010, with turnover rising from £74.5m to £89.8m and pre-tax profits going from £10.2m to £11.3m.

The company announced late last year that its market share was growing in the US due to the increasing popularity of its shirts and knitwear. It plans store openings in the US, Germany and other countries.

It is also opening its largest UK store in St Martin’s Courtyard in London’s Covent Garden next month.

In its year’s end director report, the company said: “As expected, we started the year cautiously due to the uncertain global trading pattern and significantly increased our production as the strong demand came through.

“Although key lines had a very quick sell through and in some cases sold out completely, we have continued to supply, design and produce products to fit the needs of the consumer to further strengthen and broaden the brand in the market place.”

Including directors, the average monthly size of the workforce rose from 576 in 2009 to 595 in 2010. Overseas turnover was up from £42m in 2009 to £45.6m in 2010, while UK turnover rose from £32.5m to £44.2m.

Barbour said it had “continued to invest in the business, especially in retail” and would continue “to improve profit and cash flow levels”.