South Africa's Clicks posts first half profit rise

South African retailer Clicks Group posted a 15 percent rise in half-year profit on Thursday as the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and electronics retailer appealed to thrifty consumers in a weak economy. Clicks said diluted headline earnings per share (EPS) rose to 204.4 cents, from 177.6 cents, for the six months to end-February. "The health and beauty markets are naturally resilient to economic downturns," said Chief Executive David Kneale, adding that Clicks is on the affordable end of the spect