JJB reports flat profits

Sportswear retailer JJB Sports today counted the cost of fierce competition after a World Cup sales lift failed to lead to stronger half-year profits.

The UK-based company posted a 12% rise in revenues to £381.6m (€569.2m) for the six months to July 30 while pre-tax profits came in at £18.2m (€27.1m), broadly flat on last year but higher than analysts forecasts.

Revenues from replica kit at the time of the football tournament in Germany was around £14.1m (€21m) higher than the same period last year, JJB said.