Truworths International (TRUJ.J) saw its shares climb 3.65 percent by 1424 GMT following the release of half-year results, Reuters reported on Thursday.

The UK shoe retailer Office contributed strongly to the group’s performance, posting a 6.4 percent increase in sales to 191.9 million pounds (259.72 million US dollars), helping offset weaker results from African operations.

Overall group retail sales held steady at 12.5 billion rand, while the gross profit margin remained unchanged at 51.8 percent.

Headline earnings per share (HEPS) reached 495.4 cents for the six months ended December 28, landing at the top of the company’s 489 cents to 499 cents guidance range. Group trading profit, which excludes interest income, rose 2.8 percent to 2.1 billion rand (132 million US dollars).

Retail sales in Truworths Africa declined by 3.6 percent to 7.9 billion rand, reflecting subdued consumer spending in the region.

An interim dividend of 321 cents per share was declared, representing a 1.3 percent increase compared with the previous period.