JJB set to assess the future of TJ Hughes

Sports group JJB is to review 'non-core activities', leading analysts to suspect a disposal of discount department store business TJ Hughes may be on the cards.

JJB announced its intention at last week's AGM, when disappointing trading was reported. Turnover at the core JJB business for the 23 weeks ended July 6 (excluding TJ's) was 1.3 per cent higher than the same period last year. But like-for-likes declined by 3.4 per cent.

At TJ's, like-for-like fell by 1 per cent, partly because of reduced promotional activity, and total sales were up 4.4 per cent. Broker Investec said a disposal of TJ's 'should not be ruled out on a 12- to 18-month view'.