Last checked at 16 Jan 2015 07:00
16 January 2015
JD SPORTS FASHION PLC
CHRISTMAS TRADING STATEMENT
JD Sports Fashion Plc (the 'Group'), the leading retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, today announces an update on performance following the Christmas trading period.
We are pleased to report that like for like store sales growth in the continuing businesses during the five week period up to 3 January 2015 was 12%. This was particularly pleasing given the strong comparatives of the previous year and indeed prior years. Cumulative like for like sales growth for these stores for the 48 week period to 3rd January 2015 is now 12%.
On the basis of this performance, and whilst recognising certain infrastructure cost increases during the year to support the larger and more international business, the Board is now confident that the headline profit before tax and exceptional items for our continuing operations will exceed the top end of market expectations for the current financial year which currently range up to £90m.
The Group will make its Preliminary Results Announcement for the 52 weeks ending 31 January 2015 on 15 April 2015.
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman, commented: "I am delighted to be able to report that the great momentum I reported in the Sports Fascias in all our territories earlier in the financial year has been maintained during the key Christmas period, particularly when measured against strong comparatives in prior years. This result is testimony to the strength of the JD Brand and its commitment to providing its customers with unrivalled choice, quality and excitement as the leading retailer of Sports Fashion.
On behalf of the Board I would like to thank our entire team for their continued hard work and significant contribution towards this success."
Enquiries:
JD Sports Fashion Plc Tel: 0161 767 1600
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman
Brian Small, Chief Financial Officer
MHP Communications Tel: 0203 128 8100
Andrew Jaques
Barnaby Fry
Jack Holden
Jennifer Iveson