British sporting goods retailer JJB Sports plc reported declines in both net sales and comparable store sales for the fiscal first half ending July 15, 2007, due primarily to tough comparisons against last year’s FIFA World Cup.  For the first half, net revenues declined 3.9%, while comparable store sales decreased 4.1% for the period. 


The company said that revenue from product categories other than soccer replica products increased for the first half, as did revenues from health clubs. Excluding revenue from soccer replica products, the retailer posted an increase in total revenue of 1.8%, with a 1.4% same-store sales increase. Revenues from the company’s health clubs and indoor soccer centers increased by 20.8% for the period.


Overall gross margin for the period increased 240 basis points over the same period last year, including a 200 basis point margin jump at the company’s retail stores.


In hopes of driving margins yet higher, JJB is looking to increase its proportion of owned-brand revenues. The company noted that its has hired Chris Ronnie as Deputy CEO, with particular responsibility for product development and sourcing, and that he has been undertaking a review of JJB’s existing brand arrangements and JJB is considering a number of opportunities.