Total sales were up 15% for the 48 weeks ended Jan. 5, excluding the recent acquisitions of Finish Line in the U.S. and Sport Zone in Iberia with comp store sales increasing more than 5%. Sales were consistently positive throughout the Holiday season, the Pentland-controlled retailer added. Despite the moribund state of British retailing, JD noted that it had been able to keep gross margins consistent with prior years and avoid excessive discounting. Sir Sneaker said its pre-tax profit will be at the upper end of the market expectations that range from £325 to £352 million.

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