THE owner of fashion chains including Oasis and Coast proved there was some life on the high street after reporting a strong surge in sales.



Mosaic Fashions, which is majority-owned by Reykjavik-based retail investment group Baugur, said half-year turnover was up 17 per cent to £195m, including a 19 per cent increase in the quarter to the end of July.



The strongest gains came from Oasis and Coast with first half improvements of 13 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, while Mosaic's other labels of Karen Millen and Whistles rose by 2 per cent and 17 per cent in the six month period.



Mosaic chief executive Derek Lovelock described the quarter as "excellent", despite the reports of tough conditions elsewhere in the sector.