Sportswear giant JD Sports have enjoyed a strong first half performance in 2021, with revenue lifting 52% versus the same period last year to £3.8bn.

The record results are driven in part by the acquisition of US sports retailers Shoe Palace and DTLR, which contributed a total of £72.9m in profits. Online UK and Ireland sales have also contributed to performance, as well as pent-up demand upon stores reopening; profit before tax and exceptional items in its core UK and Republic of Ireland market increased to £170.8m, rising from £52m in 2020 and £114.9m in 2019. The company is forecasting outturn headline profit before tax for the full year of at least £750m.