West Midlands helps JD Sports hit record

The executive chairman of the JD Sports Fashion group said today that the West Midlands was one of its most successful regions as the store chain announced record results for 2015-2016.

Its sales soared by 20 per cent to £1.82 billion and pre-tax profit was up 45 per cent to £131.6 million for the year to January 30.

Executive chairman Peter Cowgill said he was delighted with the results from its more than 900 stores in the Uk, Europe and Malaysia.

"Growth has been across the board. Our like-for-like sales growth has now been double digit for two consecutive years.

"We have enjoyed rises in both textiles and footwear. Nike and Adidas ranges have been particularly strong," he explained.

Mr Cowgill said JD Sports was being helped by the growing trend for sports meets lifestyle in its target market of customers up to 40-years-old with the 18 to 25 age group its peak buyers.

"Our stores in Wolverhampton, Wednesbury, Walsall and Birmingham have traded particularly well," he added.

He said the chain was expanding rapidly in Europe and was well positioned for profitable growth.

There was a net increase of 38 stores for the JD fascia across Europe in the year.