Like-for-like revenue also rose 7.5 per cent for the 52 weeks to January 28. Adjusted operating profit increased 28.1 per cent to£46.4 million, from£36.2 million the previous year, and adjusted pre-tax profit rose 28.8 per cent to£45.9 million, ahead of market expectations.
However, the actual pre-tax profit rose only 14.1 per cent to£38.5 million, compared with£33.7 million the year before, after additional charges of more than£4 million relating to an OFT fine over football shirt price-fixing and more than£3 million for the closure of its Icon stores.
JJB's web site has successfully completed its first 18 months of trade. Revenue soared 150 per cent in the four weeks to Christmas, compared with the previous year.
The new financial year has begun well, with total revenue up 4.3 per cent for the nine weeks to April 1 and like-for-likes rising 3.2 per cent.
The retailer said that its 'Serious About Sport' strategy is progressing well, with the creation of Adidas and Nike in-store areas. It plans to continue the expansion of its leisure division throughout the year.
JJB non-executive chairman Roger Lane-Smith said: 'While higher revenue of football replica kit generated by the FIFA World Cup and certain premiership team kit launches explains much of the improvement, our 'Serious About Sport' stance - which helps to differentiate our product offering from that of our competitors - together with the continued growth from our leisure division, have also made a significant contribution.'
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