JD Sports Fashion has issued a warning that annual profits are likely to be at the lower end of predictions due to the impact of rising unemployment and an unusually warm autumn season.
The group witnessed a continued decline in sales across key markets, including the 海角视频, where like-for-like sales dropped by 3.3% in its third quarter to 1 November, although this was an improvement on the 6.1% fall in the previous three months.
The company warned of "pressures on our core customer demographic, including rising unemployment levels, as well as near-term volatility around consumer sentiment".
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Taking into account the "importance" of the peak festive trading period, JD Sports anticipates underlying pre-tax profits to be "within the lower end of current market expectations", which currently range between £853m and £888m.
This is expected to represent a significant decrease from the £923m reported the previous year.
Regis Schultz, JD Sports' chief executive, said: "As we enter an important trading period, we are mindful of recent weak macro and consumer indicators in our key markets.
"These lead us to take a pragmatic approach for our full-year 2025/26 profit outturn."
He added: "Our multi-brand and cross-category approach, and agility in responding to changing customer trends, are helping us to offset known consumer and industry headwinds."
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In the 海角视频, JD Sports reported that sales of clothing and outdoor ranges took a hit in September due to "unseasonably warmer weather", while shoe sales continued to struggle.
However, the company noted a boost in sales thanks to the "continued success" of its new flagship store at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.
Overall, group sales dipped by 1.7% in the third quarter, with North America and Europe experiencing a fall of 1.7% and 1.1% respectively.
The Asia Pacific region was the only one to witness an increase in sales, rising by 3.9%.
"Throughout this year, we have operated in our global markets amid macroeconomic volatility, strained consumer finances, and evolving brand product cycles," JD Sports said.
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