JD Sports Fashion has delivered a steady third quarter, but warned its full-year profits will be at the lower end of forecasts due to slowing consumer demand across key markets.
The group reported a 1.7% drop in like-for-like sales for the 13 weeks to 1 November, although total sales rose 8.1% at constant currency.
In particular, apparel continued to perform well, while footwear remained subdued, particularly in product lines reaching the end of their cycle.
However, the UK remained challenging, with like-for-like sales down 3.3%, although JD said its newer flagship stores, including the Trafford Centre site, were helping to offset weaker footfall.
North America saw an improved trend, with like-for-like sales down 1.7% but organic growth of 3%.
Excluding the Finish Line chain, the region was broadly flat, meanwhile Europe remained resilient, posting a 1.1% like-for-like decline and 4% organic growth, helped by stronger apparel ranges and solid online trading.
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Across the group, JD continued to invest selectively in online pricing, with the retailer adding that inventory was under control, going into peak trading, and highlighted progress on major technology upgrades, including the rollout of new e-commerce platforms in Europe and automation at its Dutch distribution centre.
Looking ahead, JD warned that recent economic signals across its core markets, such as softer sentiment and pressure on younger consumers, were weighing on expectations for the remainder of the year. It now expects full-year profit before tax to land at the lower end of the current analyst range.
“We are navigating a year of volatility in external factors with disciplined execution, reflected in a solid Q3,” said JD Sports Fashion CEO Régis Schultz.
“In the near term, as we enter an important trading period, we are mindful of recent weak macro and consumer indicators in our key markets. These lead us to take a pragmatic approach for our FY26 profit outturn.”
He added: “We remain confident in the overall positive trajectory for our industry and JD Group over the medium term, and this is well reflected in our commitment to enhanced shareholder returns.”
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