The retailer's turnover fell to£209.6 million for the 26 weeks to July 30 and like-for-like sales during the period experienced a slight decline of 0.6 per cent.
But trading has dipped since then, with like-for-like sales for the nine-week period from July 31 to October 1 down 7.6 per cent.
'Operating profit for H1 has come in£1 million ahead of our forecast,' said Numis analyst Iain McDonald. 'The group does point out that the last couple of weeks have been better. If the improving trend continues, our forecasts could well be on the conservative side.'
The retailer's fashion division - which includes ATH-, AV and Scotts - has been struggling recently, representing less than 10 per cent of sales. Fashion was down 17.3 per cent during the nine weeks to October 1. The group's sports arm was down 6.8 per cent for the same period.
Executive chairman Peter Cowgill said: 'The future success of the group is still critically dependent on the sports fascias.'
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