Last checked at 10 Jan 2014 07:00
10 January 2014
JD SPORTS FASHION PLC
CHRISTMAS TRADING STATEMENT
JD Sports Fashion Plc (the 'Group'), the leading retailer and distributor of branded sportswear, fashionwear and outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, today announces an update on performance following the Christmas trading period.
In our last Interim Management Statement released on 29 November 2013 we reported that the like for like sales in the core UK and Ireland Sports and Fashion Fascias for the forty two weeks to 23 November 2013 stood cumulatively at very much the same level as they had after 26 weeks at the half year when they had stood at +5.8%. As a result of stronger trading in the Christmas period in the Sports Fascias, we are pleased to report that the like for like sales for the Group's core Fascia stores at the end of the 48 week period to 4 January 2014 are now marginally ahead of this level with underlying product gross margins largely maintained. The Board believes that the Group remains on course to deliver headline profit before tax and exceptional items in line with current market expectations.
The Board is pleased with this year's performance in the Sports Fascias and remains focussed on improving the performance of other Fascias within the Group.
The Group will make its Preliminary Results Announcement for the 52 weeks ending 1 February 2014 on 15 April 2014.
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman, commented: "Christmas 2013 has seen yet another very robust performance from our core Sports Fascias. Throughout recent years of considerable change and expansion for the Group, the core Sports Fascias' proposition has continued to be developed and enhanced. I am delighted that the most recent six weeks' trading has continued to give confidence for the future. I also expect considerable further progress elsewhere in the Group in 2014."
Enquiries:
JD Sports Fashion Plc Tel: 0161 767 1000
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman
Barry Bown, Chief Executive
Brian Small, Finance Director
MHP Communications Tel: 0203 128 8100
Andrew Jaques
Barnaby Fry
Nick Hayns