Uk sports firm sees sales race ahead

Sports goods retailer John David Group today said its new financial year had got off to a fast start after like-for-like sales jumped 7.5%.

The group, which operates as JD Sports, said the performance over the past 12 weeks had been encouraging, but added it remained wary about the more challenging environment it was likely to face over the rest of the year.

The disposal of under-performing stores and a drive to improve margins meant underlying profits for the 52 weeks to January 27 rose by 51% to £25.1m (€368.8m).

Executive chairman Peter Cowgill said he had been “pleased with the progress of the group” during the past financial year.