JJB Sports sales rise despite England World Cup exit
Sales at JJB Sports have soared in recent weeks, despite England's early exit from the World Cup.
Like-for-like sales, which strip out the impact of new store openings, rose 22.3% for the six weeks to 4 July compared with a year ago.
JJB, which sells England replica kits, said that profit margins over the same period had also increased 43.9%.
England lost 4-1 to Germany in the first knock-out stage of the World Cup on 24 June.
JJB came close to going into administration last year but a successful £100m rights issue in October allowed the retailer to pay off its debts.
JJB also revealed that sales at its newly-refitted Slough store had increased by 9% above the company average.