Cosmetics retailing group Sa Sa said net profit for the six months to September 30 climbed 26.7 per cent.

Sa Sa has earned a net HK$357.4 million (US$46.1 million), boosted by robust performances in Hong Kong and Macau, where sales increased by 19.9 per cent to HK$3 billion.

Overall turnover for Mainland China operations decreased by 3.3 per cent to HK$167.2 million. Sa Sa adopted a strategy of focusing on house brand products in Mainland China, but the execution was hampered by the constraints of the relative inexperience of new staff and changes in management.

Meanwhile, turnover in Singapore was HK$124.4 million, a slight decrease of 0.5 per cent while turnover in Malaysia increased 14.4 per cent to HK$162.9 million. The Taiwan business increased 6.2 per cent to HK$130.9 million.

Sa Sa expects the coming year to be challenging because of uncertain global economy and relatively weak consumption sentiment.

However, with its proven strategies and execution, commitment to continuous improvements and forward planning, Sa Sa says it is confident it can continue to deliver sound results in the future.