Partner Article

Sports Direct on the up

MIKE Ashley’s retail empire Sports Direct International said robust trading over the Easter holiday has kept it on course to meet its recently improved profits target.

The owner of the Sports World chain added that sales for the nine weeks to March 28 rose 2.9% to £214m, with profits up 7.9% to £76m.

The performance, coupled with strong Easter demand and the start of a likely World Cup-related trading boost, should ensure the company meets its underlying earnings target of £160 million for the year to April 25.

It raised expectations for full-year earnings in February after previously increasing the target from £140 million to £155m in December.

Chief executive Dave Forsey said: “We continue to be pleased with the strong performance of our retail division, including the growth of internet trading.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .