Christmas Trading Statement

RNS Number : 3364X

JD Sports Fashion Plc

10 January 2014

 



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: [phone]

Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman

Barry Bown, Chief Executive

Brian Small, Finance Director

MHP Communications                                                                Tel: [phone]

Andrew Jaques

Barnaby Fry

Nick Hayns

 

END

 

 

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