Shoppers are looking beyond the PJs, UGG boots, and leggings that became popular during lockdowns to more fashionable apparel as they head out to restaurants and back to their offices, Myer boss John King says.

The head of the department stores group expressed confidence in the outlook as he revealed Myer’s long-suffering shareholders would receive their first dividend since 2017 – a 1.5¢ a share payout – after a roller-coaster first half.