JJB eyes World Cup boost

Embattled JJB Sports today said its stores were stocked and ready for World Cup fever in England, but annual results revealed the pain of a dire year that brought the group to its knees.

The sportswear retailer said underlying pre-tax losses more than trebled to £68.5m (€80.8m) in the 12 months to January 31 – a year that saw JJB narrowly stave off administration by agreeing a rescue deal with its landlords.