SKY Eye

JD Sports' overall like-for-like sales were down 0.7% in the first quarter to May 4. They increased 14.5% in the same period last year.

The group did achieve underlying sales growth in its Europe and North America divisions.

Nike, JD Sport's biggest brand, warned in March of lower sales in its first half as it battles newer competitors.

Schultz expects trading conditions to improve as the year progresses, helped by the Euro 2024 soccer championship and the Paris Olympics, softer comparative numbers with last year and an improving product pipeline towards the end of the year.

Despite the first quarter outcome, JD Sports reiterated its 2024/25 guidance for profit before tax and adjusting items of 955 million pounds to 1.035 billion pounds ($1.21-$1.32 billion).