Kings Park. Noni B profit down

The women's clothing retailer, Noni B, at Kings Park, said a slump in its annual profit and the decision to withhold its final dividend followed a loss of confidence among its traditional ''baby boomer'' market as a result of the economic downturn. Net profit for 2008-09 was $2.3 million, down 8.23 per cent, on the previous year. "The past 12 months have been really testing, and it is too early to be certain whether the downturn is over," said MD, David Kindl. Noni B, which also owns the Liz Jordan clothing brand, opened 13 new outlets over the past financial year to bring its portfolio to 214 stores.