UK sporting goods retailer Sports Direct grew sales and profits last quarter, despite the dismal performance of England’s football team at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
In an update for the 13 weeks ending 25 July, Sports Direct said that total sales had grown 8.8% and that gross profit was up 17.8%. The growth was stunted by England’s early exit in June though, with the UK’s sportswear chains banking on a rush for replica shirts.
Dave Forsey, chief executive of Sports Direct, said: “Despite the performance of the England team during the World Cup, these results clearly show that Sports Direct had a good World Cup, although with better team results it could have been even stronger.”
Sports Direct also held its Annual General Meeting in Shirebrook today (7 September).
