Like-for-like sales during the five weeks to January 7 increased by 1.6 per cent at JD Sports, which also said it has been able to maintain gross profit margins broadly in line with 2011.
The retailer, which recently bought Blacks out of administration for £20 million, also said Chausport performed well during the Christmas period and while Champion’s sales continue to be affected by the difficult economic environment in the Republic of Ireland this has been offset by an increase in margins from improved operational execution.
Sprinter saw a marginal decline in sales, but JD said it remains pleased with the overall direction of the business, adding it anticipates opening the first JD stores in Spain in the first half of 2012.
Peter Cowgill, JD’s executive chairman, says: “I would like to thank all our staff, who through their efforts and commitment in this busy trading period have helped deliver this creditable result.”
