Sportswear retailer JD Sports has reported its first half pre-tax profit has shot up 66% to a record £77.4 million as it continues to grow in Europe.

Figures show that total group revenue grew 20% to £970.6 million in the six months to 30th July and like-for-like sales for the entire group, including Europe, increased by roughly 10%, while profit before tax increased 73% to £77.4 million.

JD Sports executive chairman, Peter Cowgill, commented: "I am delighted to report that this has been another period of excellent progress for the group with a record profit before tax and exceptional items of £77.4 million. Given that last year's result was in itself a record for our group then to increase this by a further 66% has exceeded reasonable expectations.

"The favourable trends for athletic inspired footwear and apparel in Europe have continued into this year. We are very much at the centre of this market with our success being a positive consequence of the investments we have made over a number of years to develop the JD retail concept.”

Within this period, there was a net rise of 20 stores in existing fascias around Europe, with plans to open more stores across the continent in the remainder of the year. Included in this will be a flagship style store on Rue Neuve in Brussels and Hohe Strasse in Cologne, whilst the flagship Perry Sport store in Amsterdam is being refurbished.

Mr Cowgill added: "Notwithstanding the demanding comparatives going forward following the strong revenue growth in the previous three years, the positive nature of trading in the second half to date is encouraging."

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