Store refurbishments and product rationalisation benefited sales

Sports and fashion retailer John David Group has reported a 9.4 per cent like-for-like increase in revenue in for the first half, buoyed by store refurbishments and a focus on product.

The retailer reported pre-tax profit of£8.1 million for the 26 weeks to July 28, 2007, up from£3.1 million last year.

John David executive chairman Peter Cowgill said: “Trading since the period end has been highly satisfactory with year-to-date like-for-like sales to September 22 in the sports fascias up by 12.3 per cent cumulatively. The fashion fascias' like-for-like sales for the same period are up 3.3 per cent.

“Overall, the board expects the results to continue to be satisfactory with trading for the year to date running moderately ahead of market expectations. As always, the final result remains heavily dependent upon sales performance during the key Christmas trading period.”

John David Group has continued to refurbish its stores after testing a new store design, rationalising its portfolio and focused on enhancing its relationships with brands such as K-Swiss, Converse and Henry Lloyd.