Sales still growing at JD Sports Fashion
RETAIL chain JD Sports Fashion said it was trading positively in the run-up to Christmas, with sales picking-up in the last few weeks.
In an update to the stock market the Bury-based company said sales from August 28 had “increased marginally” on the 2.8% uplift seen in the four weeks to that date, and that margins had been maintained.
Executive chairman Peter Cowgill told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We are on track – I don’t think consumers are going to go mad this Christmas, but the early signs are encouraging.
“There are mixed messages in the retail world on Christmas, some will do OK, some not. There will be winners and losers, hopefully we will be one of the winners.”
In the light of last week’s profit warning from North West rival JJB Sports, Mr Cowgill said: “We’re pleased that we are satisfying consumer appetites and moving in the right direction.”
Looking ahead to January and the VAT hike to 20%, he said JD was working on a number of initiatives to “keep the offer fresh” and engage with consumers.
“We’ve got some great styles and innovations coming through, we’re looking at some endorsements with superstars wearing the products.”
JD recently agreed a deal with rapper Tinchy Stryder to stock his Star in the Hood Fashion range.
Mr Cowgill said international growth is firmly on the agenda too: “We are looking at other territories – we are aware there have been a number of casualties overseas, and we’re not flying the flag too strongly, but we have several options on our desks which are quite encouraging.”
