JJB.L Regulatory News (JJB)

29 Nov 2007 07:02

JJB Sports PLC29 November 2007 29 November 2007 JJB Sports plc Interim Management Statement JJB Sports plc ("JJB") is today publishing its second Interim ManagementStatement relating to the 17 week period from 29 July to 25 November 2007. Current Trading Total revenue for the 17 weeks to 25 November 2007, including that from both theretail stores and the health clubs, was 1.6% higher than the same period lastyear and includes a like-for-like increase in revenue (on operating units whichhave been trading for over 52 weeks) also of 1.6%. For the Group's retail storesonly, the increase in total revenue for the period was 0.5% with a like-for-likeincrease in revenue of 1.4%. The number of retail stores included in thelike-for-like figure is 389. The increase in total revenue has been accompanied by an increase in thecombined gross margin which is slightly higher than the recent 380 basis pointsimprovement for the 8 weeks to 23 September 2007 which was reported in our lastInterim report. The Board remains cautious about the current retail market conditions and thelikely impact on the business and, as stated in the market update of 11September, the Board still considers that the trading results for the secondhalf of this accounting period will be similar to those achieved in thecomparative period last year. Future Prospects The disappointing exit of the England team from the finals of the Euro 2008competition is not anticipated to have any material impact upon the results ofthe current accounting period to end January 2008. As far as the next accountingperiod is concerned, JJB is not expecting any incremental revenues from Euro2008. Roger Lane-Smith, JJB's Non-executive Chairman, today commented, "We continue to be cautious about the retail market outlook both in the run upto Christmas and into 2008". For further information, please contact: Chris RonnieDavid Greenwood 01942 221400JJB Sports plc Lydia PretzlikCharlotte Walsh 020 7379 5151Maitland A copy of this press release can also be viewed on the JJB Sports plc corporatewebsite, www.jjbcorporate.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange