Sports Direct today reported a 43% rise in online sales, which now account for 15.5% of its total sports retail sales.
Sports Direct International reported group revenues up by 23.5% to £1.34bn in the 26 weeks to October 27 compared to the same time last year, with UK sports retail sales up by 13.4% at £903.3m. International sales grew by 30.8%. Pre-tax profits grew by 14.3% to £143.1m.
Dave Forsey, chief executive, said sales and profits had grown in the half-year despite “a tough comparative that included the UEFA European Championships and the London 2012 Olympics.” He added: “The performance of sports retail is particularly pleasing, with significant growth in the UK, Europe and online.”
The company aims to expand overseas, opening for business in “all of the major economies present in the European Economic Area in the next three to five years.”
As well as the core sports retail business, Sports Direct owns a range of lifestyle brands including the Republic chain, bought in February, Flannels and Cruise. During the period new ecommerce sites were launched for Flannels.com and Cruisefashion.co.uk.
