Kathmandu said full-year pretax earnings rose between 31 per cent and 36 per cent on new store openings, favourable weather and better inventory management.

If you're fussy about your brew and prefer your own then you need not despair.

In an exclusive interview, the book and stationery chain's new owners tell Karyn Scherer about their plans for one of the best-known names in NZ retailing.

Kathmandu Holdings is reporting a 31.6pc rise in third quarter sales, with same store sales for the 13-week period up 23.2 per cent.

There are zillions of peaked caps around these days but but this Kathmandu product does have a few special features to make it stand out for the traveller.

Kathmandu, the outdoor equipment and clothing chain, said first-half profit will rise as much as 26pc after summer sales and improved margins.