In a Christmas trading update today covering the nine weeks to 4 January. JD Sports said like for like revenue across November and December fell 1.5% “in a challenging and volatile market that saw increased promotional activity.” December itself was stronger with growth of 1.5%. Overall revenue growth for the nine week period was 3.4%.

Sportswear chain JD Sports warned that annual profit would come in behind its previous forecast amid a “challenging” market, sending the shares down 10 per cent. The company, which has 4,558 stores globally,

LONDON (Reuters) -British sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion downgraded its profit forecast after weaker trading in Britain and the United States and promotional activity in the market hurt sales,