JJB cheered by seasonal performance

JJB Sports today said demand for replica football products helped it achieve a decent performance during the second half of the year.

The retailer reported satisfactory increases in gross profits across all product categories, particularly items featuring major Premiership clubs.

Sales in the retail business were 4.9% higher in the 22 weeks to December 31, with the performance for the five weeks to December 31 showing a gain of 3.5%. JJB offset the weaker festive sales trend with better margins growth.

Across the group, which also includes a network of health clubs, revenues were 6% higher for the 22 weeks and up by 4.5% in December.

Chairman Roger Lane-Smith said: “I am pleased with JJB’s trading performance throughout the current accounting period, including around Christmas and New Year.”

Shares lifted 3% after the trading update.