JD Sports has lowered its full-year profit forecast after group sales declined during a challenging second quarter.
The sportswear retailer reported sales of £3.09bn for the 13 weeks to 1 August 2026. Organic sales fell by 1.3 per cent, while like-for-like sales declined by 3.1 per cent.
JD now expects adjusted pre-tax profit of between £700m and £800m for FY27, down from its previous guidance of £750m to £850m. Its free cash flow forecast remains unchanged at between £460m and £520m.
UK like-for-like sales increased by 0.8 per cent, supported by demand for apparel and accessories, including football replica kits, and an improved performance from its Outdoor business.
Online sales grew by 2.6 per cent across the group, helped by its apparel proposition and the expansion of store-based fulfilment.
North America was the weakest-performing region, with organic sales down by 4.5 per cent and like-for-like sales falling by 6.8 per cent. The company attributed the decline to pressure on consumer spending, weaker demand for high-profile footwear and the deferral of back-to-school purchases into August.
Europe recorded a 2.7 per cent like-for-like decline, while Asia Pacific sales increased by 1.4 per cent on the same basis.
JD said footwear remained under pressure amid changing product cycles and a highly promotional market, although apparel and accessories performed well across all regions.
The group was in a net cash position at the end of the period and began the second £100m tranche of its £200m annual share buyback programme on 3 August.
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