Sales at the UK-based retail giant’s U.S. banners, which include Finish Line, JD Sports, and the more recently added DTLR Villa and Shoe Palace, soared 47% in the fiscal year ended Jan. 29 to £2,609.2 million ($3,589.0 mm) from £1,780.5 million. Profit before tax and exceptional items nearly doubled to £343.0 million ($471.8 mm) from £171.9 million. As JD mentioned in its half-year report, the early months of 2021 benefitted hugely from government stimulus payments that filled the wallets of shoppers with cash. Same store sales here were 40% higher from mid-March to mid-July. But second half comps were also ... Log in to view full article.