JD Sports Regulatory News (JD.)

7 Jan 2010 07:00



7 January 2010 

JD SPORTS FASHION PLC

CHRISTMAS TRADING STATEMENT

JD Sports Fashion Plc ("the Group"), the leading retailer and distributor of sport and athletic inspired fashion apparel and footwear, today announces an update on performance following the Christmas trading period.

We are pleased to report that Group like for like sales for the five week Christmas trading period ended 2 January 2010 were up by 6.6% with the Sports Fascias (JD and Size) up by 5.9% and the Fashion Fascias (Bank and Scotts) up by 9.7%. This is particularly pleasing when considered in the context of our Christmas trading like for like sales growth in recent years.

The Group's cumulative like for like sales for the 48 week period to 2 January 2010 are up 2.7% (Sports Fascias up 2.3% and Fashion Fascias up 4.5%), with UK retail gross profit margins having improved marginally over the full period compared to the previous year.

The Board now believes that current market expectations for Group profit before tax and exceptional items will be significantly exceeded though the extent to which this occurs is still dependent on the impact of the prevailing severe weather conditions in the UK.

The Group will make its Preliminary Results announcement for the year ending 30 January 2010 on 14 April 2010. 

Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman, commented: "The Christmas trading period has again been a good one for the Group and I am particularly pleased with both the sustained progress in the Sports Fascias and the strong performance of the Bank Fashion Fascia. This has been the result of our strong product proposition and a lot of hard work from employees throughout the business."

Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman

Barry Bown, Chief Executive

Brian Small, Finance Director

Andrew JaquesBarnaby FryIan Payne