JD Sports eyes satisfactory increase in first-half profit

17th Jun 2014 07:34

- Expects satisfactory increase in first-half profit - Build up to World Cup boosts demand at Sports fascias- Outdoor division making progress, mixed performance at FashionSportswear and outdoor clothing and equipment retailer JD Sports said, based on the trading performance to date, it expects a satisfactory increase in first-half profitability in line with company expectations."The build up to the World Cup has enhanced the trading performance of our most significant segment of the business, the Sports fascias. As a consequence, precise like-for-like (LFL) figures, at this stage, would be potentially misleading," the group explained. However, JD Sports said it was pleased with its underlying performance for the 18 weeks to June 7th amid solid demand for sports fashion. The group's outdoor business is maintaining positive progress against weak prior year comparatives, it explained. Fashion continues to experience a mixed performance, it cautioned, but added that there are encouraging signs for the future.CJ