The retailer said sales in its core UK and Ireland sports and fashion fascias during the four months from August 3 “stands cumulatively at very much the same level” as figures released in the group’s interim report in September, where sales for the 26 weeks to August 3 were up 5.8 per cent.
JD also stated it is “pleased with very recent progress” in its Blacks and Millets outdoor business, which made a combined loss of £8.9 million during the six months to August 3.
In addition, its interim management statement said: “The result for the full year remains, as usual, substantially dependent on the sales and margin performance through the Christmas period and particularly in the last two weeks of December.
“At this stage the board believes the group remains on course to deliver earnings at least in line with current expectations.”
JD will issue its post-Christmas trading update on January 10.
In other news, JD will be title sponsor of boxing promoter Frank Warren’s two arena events in December, which will also be screened live on subscription channel BoxNation.
Paul Butler and Ruben Montoya compete for the WBO and WBA Intercontinental Super Flyweight title at The Echo Arena in Liverpool on December 7, while Stuart Hall takes on Vusi Malinga for the IBF World Bantamweight Title and Frankie Gavin will battle it out with Joseph Lamptey for the Commonwealth Welterweight Championship on December 21 at the Leeds Arena.
“This is an exciting partnership for JD, these are big events on the boxing calendar and we are pleased to support them,” Stephen White, JD group marketing director, says.
“It’s great to see Frank Warren and BoxNation showcasing the UK’s home grown talent to the masses and we look forward to working closely with Frank and his team to enhance boxing fans’, and our customers’, experience.”
In addition to a strong presence at each of the events, as part of the promotion JD will be offering customers the chance to win fight tickets and signed merchandise.
