Trading Statement

RNS Number : 3257C

JD Sports Fashion Plc

16 January 2015

 

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 3^rd 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: [phone]

Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman

Brian Small, Chief Financial Officer

MHP Communications                                                                Tel: [phone]

Andrew Jaques

Barnaby Fry

Jack Holden

Jennifer Iveson

 

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