SPORT and fashion continues to be a winning mix for top UK leisure-wear chain J D Sports, with half-year turnover and profits up.

Despite the current economic uncertainty designer-conscious shoppers are still spending to look good, and the Heywood-based specialist retailer of fashionable branded sportswear, which has 155 stores, is confident it is on target with plans to expand to more than 300.

Turnover increased by 18 per cent to £118.35m for the six months to September 30, with pre-tax profits up by 16 per cent to £10.86m. Interim dividend is up 13 per cent to 2.6p.

‘‘The events of September 11 in the United States undoubtedly added a greater degree of uncertainty for everyone, but we are quietly confident that the long-term prospects of the company remain strong,’’ said chairman John Wardle.

The company is well-placed to deliver continued growth.

Strong demand

‘‘Consumer demand for fashionable, branded merchandise remains strong. The opportunity for further growth, via our distinctive retail formats, continues to remain significant.

‘‘The fundamental strategy of the company remains heavily focused on progression and expansion,’’ he said.

The company provides main brand and own brand merchandise, with 50 per cent of the business focused on footwear, 46 per cent on clothing and four per cent on accessories.

It prides itself on providing a ‘‘pleasurable shopping experience in a unique store ambience’’ with ‘‘lifestyle’’ sports and leisure fashion-wear to brand-conscious consumers.

It says it has remained focused on in-store formats of J D Casual, J D Woman, J D Junior, J D Exclusives and King of Trainers.

Sales were boosted by the England football team taking part in Euro 2000, and the company spent £7.7m on stores, opening a further 18, seven of them since the end of September.

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