JD sport gets a World Cup boost
FOOTBALL fever ahead of the World Cup has boosted sales at JD Sports Fashion.
The sportswear retailer said same-store sales had risen by 4.1 per cent in the 18 weeks to June 5 with a 5.1 per cent jump in sports store sales leading the way.
JD, although less reliant on the sale of replica football kits than its rivals, said the lead-up to the tournament in South Africa, which begins tomorrow, had been a “positive influence”.
JD is selling retro England kits, accessories including England caps and flags and World Cup-themed clothing and footwear.
Despite this, chairman Peter Cowgill said the “most material” sales driver over the period remained its “stylish” and streetcred own brands McKenzie and Carbrini and exclusive ranges from Adidas and Nike.
JD also reported 0.3 per cent sales growth at its Bank fashion division over the period.
Cowgill said benefit cuts and VAT rises would have an impact on all retailers but it would “try our hardest to shield our customers from them”.