Sales growth at JD Sports means the company is feeling upbeat as it approaches the end of the financial year.

The sports retailer, which has a store in Gloucester, said like-for-like sales have increased five per cent, boosted by strong sales around Black Friday, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Total sales increased by 15 per cent during the 48 weeks to 5th January.

JD Sports is now confident that its full-year pre-tax profit for the year ending 2nd February would be at the high end of market expectations, which currently ranges between £325 million and £352 million. It said it was able to maintain profits as it didn't enter into short-term discounting.

The company is pleased with its performance, in the light of the challenges which have hit the wider retail sector over the last year. It said its success was down to its varied product range both in stores and online and its international presence.

JD Sports acquired US sports retailer Finish Line last year and recently opened its first five JD stores in the US.