RNS Number:8569Q
Burberry Group PLC
14 October 2003

                           Burberry Group plc

                         First Half Trading Update

14 October 2003.  Burberry Group plc reports on trading for the first half ended
30 September 2003.

Highlights

*        Total revenues increased by 17%, 16% underlying*
*        Retail sales up 20% on an underlying basis, driven by new stores
*        Wholesale sales increased 14% (13% underlying) reflecting double digit
         growth for the Autumn/Winter 2003 season
*        Licensing revenue up 15% underlying, 13% reported

*Underlying figures are calculated at constant exchange rates and exclude the
impact of the July 2002 acquisition of the operations of Burberry's distributor
in Korea  (the "Korea acquisition").

Commenting on the trading results, Rose Marie Bravo, Chief Executive, stated, "
Burberry traded strongly in the first half as the improved conditions at the end
of the first quarter continued.  Our retail investment, geographic expansion and
product development strategies continue to deliver excellent results.  With this
performance, Burberry's trading is clearly in line with market expectations for
the financial year."

Total revenues

Total revenues in the first half increased by 17% (17% at constant exchange
rates), or 16% on an underlying* basis (i.e. at constant exchange rates and
excluding the impact of the Korea acquisition) compared to the same period last
year.

Retail

Total retail sales increased by 25% (boosted by the Korea acquisition) and
accounted for approximately 33% of total revenue in the half.  On an underlying
basis, retail sales increased by 20%.  This growth was driven by new stores with
a marginal contribution from existing stores.  Throughout the period, the US was
consistently the best performing market.  Burberry's other markets generally
experienced varying degrees of recovery during the half.

The Company opened three Burberry stores in the period, in Milan, Tyson's Corner
(Virginia) and a second store in Las Vegas.  Burberry remains on schedule to
open six additional stores during the second half of 2003/04, resulting in
selling space expansion in excess of 10% for the financial year.  In addition,
the Company today announced the first Burberry store in Russia.  The 5,000
square foot Moscow store will be operated by a third party and is scheduled to
open in early 2004.

Wholesale

Total wholesale sales increased by 14% during the half, driven by double-digit
gains for the Autumn/Winter 2003 season.  This increase resulted from solid
growth across all regions.  Notably, sales growth resumed in Spain, reflecting
repositioning efforts in that market.  On an underlying basis, wholesale sales
increased by 13%.

On the basis of orders received to date, Burberry anticipates mid to high
single-digit wholesale sales growth for the Spring/Summer 2004 season.  The
majority of spring/summer merchandise is shipped in the fourth quarter of each
financial year.

Licensing

Total licensing revenues in the half increased by 15% on an underlying basis,
and 13% reported.  Licensing revenues from the Japanese market reflected
increases in certain royalty rates and single-digit volume gains. The volume
gain is encouraging in the context of the strong growth achieved in the 
comparable period last year and the lacklustre economic environment.  Licensing 
revenue also benefited from strong sales gains by global product licensees, 
including fragrances, eyewear and children's apparel.  Burberry anticipates a 
lower rate of licensing revenue growth over the balance of the year.

In close cooperation with Burberry, the Company's licensing partner in Japan
recently announced plans to open a second Burberry store in Tokyo.  The 6,000
square foot store will be located in the Omotesando district and is scheduled to
open in April 2004.

Burberry will announce interim results on 18 November and provide a trading
update on third quarter sales on 13 January 2004.

Enquiries:

Burberry                                                         020 7968 0411
Mike Metcalf                       COO and CFO
Matt McEvoy                        Strategy and IR

Brunswick                                                        020 7404 5959
Susan Gilchrist
Sophie Fitton

*Underlying figures are calculated at constant exchange rates and exclude the
impact of the July 2002 acquisition of the operations of Burberry's distributor
in Korea  (the "Korea acquisition").

Certain statements made in this trading update are forward looking statements.
Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from any expected future results in forward looking statements.

This announcement does not constitute an invitation to underwrite, subscribe for
or otherwise acquire or dispose of any Burberry Group plc or GUS plc shares.
Past performance is not a guide to future performance and persons needing advice
should consult an independent financial adviser.


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