Strong sales growth in Hong Kong and Macau helped French skincare retailer L’Occitane achieve global growth of 8.9 per cent in the six months to September 30.

L’Occitane, and its sister organic brand Melvita, posted sales growth of 11.2 per cent in Hong Kong and Macau in the period – a stronger growth rate than its overall figure – with  sales totalling nearly £55 million.

Worldwide sales were £485.9 million (US$777 million) for the period.

“The uncertainties of the economic environment and foreign currency effects continued to impact the sales results of the group,” the company said in its earnings statement.

Same-store sales posted 6.1 per cent growth – but online soared 34.7 per cent year on year, based on constant exchange rates.

The retailer has stores in France, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan, Japan, the US, the UK,  Brazil, Luxembourg and Russia.