Listed sports retailer Sports Direct International has repositioned its store portfolio it said today.

In its interim management statement it said it had opened 11 new stores and closed 14 smaller stores. And purchased one UK freehold retail site during the quarter.

The sports retailer, which trades under a number of brands including Sports World, said the group reported for the 13 weeks to 27 July sales of £336m, only slightly up on the same period last year of £335m. The groups gross profit of £150m was also up on last year’s figure of £149m.

Dave Forsey, chief executive, said: ‘At the time of a preliminary results on 10 July, I said that the year to 27 April 2008 had been the hardest we have faced in our history.

'This has not improved since the year end. Since the end of July trading has remained in line with our expectations in tough market conditions.'

Topics