A RECORD performance of its sports stores underpinned by a strong sales surge has helped Bury-based JD Sports Fashion Plc boost profits and revenue.

Interim results for the 26 weeks to August 3 disclose that the group saw sales in its core UK and Ireland sports and fashion outlets increase overall by 5.8 per cent. Its sports stores enjoyed a 7.5 per cent rise in like for like sales.

And the trend is continuing. For in the subsequent five week period to September 7, sales in its sports and fashion divisions went up by 2.8 per cent.

The interim half-year results reveal that the leading retailer and distributor of branded sportswear, fashionwear and outdoor clothing and equipment saw its pre-tax profits rise by a staggering 111 per cent over the previous corresponding period, up from £2.9 million to £6.1 million.

Over the same period, revenue increased from £556 million to £567 million.

However, the encouraging results have been tempered by the fact that the group’s outdoor division, which included such well-known names as Blacks and Millets, recorded operating losses of £8.9 million.

On a more positive front, JD has announced increased expansion of its sports stores internationally, with further new outlets in France and Spain, together with acquisition of shops in Holland and Germany. The company has more than 530 stores in the UK alone. Peter Cowgill, executive chairman, said: “The strong overall result in the first half has been driven by a record performance in our core sports fascias in the UK. This business continues to provide the group with a very solid platform for group profitability and future cash generation. We are also pleased with the continued evolution of the JD fascia in mainland Europe.

“Elsewhere, the performance of both the fashion and outdoor fascias has been impacted by significant continued re-organisation activity in the period.

“While these re-organisations have had a short-term negative impact on the overall group results, we strongly believe that the decisive actions which we have taken were necessary for these businesses to deliver returns in the longer term.”

He added: “The robust trading in the sports fascias has continued since the period end although trading in the fashion fascias continues to be more difficult.

“Given the continued robust performance in our core sports fascias, the board believes that the group is well positioned to deliver results that are within the range of current expectations.”

JD Sports Fashion, which opened its first UK store in Bury in 1981, has occupied its headquarters at Hollins Brook Way, Pilsworth, since 2002.