Bury-based retailer JD Sports says it is on track to deliver a rise in full year profits, as its shoppers remain "resilient" despite the cost of living crisis, and plans to expand more worldwide.
The sportswear chain reported a 12 percent rise in underlying sales over its first half of the year to July 29, with the month boosted by strong "back to school" demand.
The business, which has a flagship store in Bury, is now planning to open more than 200 stores worldwide by January next year.
Regis Schultz, chief executive of JD Sports Fashion, said: “Looking ahead, our core consumers remain resilient in the face of the ongoing global macro-economic challenges.”
Around 65 percent of its annual profit is expected to be made in the second half.
The firm, which has its headquarters in Pilsworth, has seen sales boosted by the boom in demand for "athleisure".
The business has been growing rapidly in the US, including adding a flagship store in Chicago earlier this year, and in May it shared ambitious growth plans to open up to 350 shops globally each year, focused in North America and continental Europe.
The company also recently agreed to buy France’s sportswear and trainer retailer Courir, for nearly £450m.
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