Last checked at 16 Jan 2018 07:00
16 January 2018
JD Sports Fashion Plc
Trading Update
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 very pleased to report that the positive levels of performance announced in our Interim Results statement have continued through the second half, including the key Christmas period. Like for like store sales in the second half to date across the Group's combined Sports and Outdoor fascias, including those in Europe, have been maintained at approximately 3% with additional sales growth arising from both material growth in online trade and continuing overseas space expansion. The performance is particularly encouraging when considered against the challenging comparatives provided by the significant levels of sales increases achieved in each of the last three years.
We remain pleased with the continuing momentum of our international business which forms a fundamental pillar of our growth strategy. As well as the continuing strong performance in Sports Fashion we are also maintaining positive progress in our Outdoors fascias.
We are now confident that our headline Group profit before tax for the year ended 3 February 2018 will reach around £300m. Prior to this announcement the range of market expectations was £270m to £295m. The preliminary results for the year ended 3 February 2018 will be published on 17 April 2018.
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman, commented:
"I am delighted to report that we have maintained our positive performance from the first half of the year which continues to demonstrate the capability and strength of our highly differentiated multichannel proposition.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all our colleagues for their significant contribution in delivering this excellent performance."
Enquiries:
JD Sports Fashion Plc Tel: 0161 767 1000
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman
Brian Small, Chief Financial Officer
MHP Communications Tel: 0203 128 8100
Andrew Jaques
Barnaby Fry