JJB is making “good progress” in its turnaround as sales in the 22 weeks to July 3 met its expectations.

The retailer revealed in April that it expected first quarter like-for-like percentage sales for its year beginning January 30 to decrease in the mid teens and to shorten to a single digit decline in its second quarter.

The struggling retailer has closed to 38 of the 43 stores which its creditors allowed it to exit when it performed a CVA in April.

The sportswear retailer said trading was extremely challenging and it expected it to remain so for some time.

JJB Sports chairman Mike McTighe said: “We are delivering on our business plan objectives and progress remains on track. Whilst we expect the retail environment to remain extremely challenging over the medium term, we are confident of delivering the full turnaround to ensure JJB’s future as a prosperous business.”