SPORTS-DEC09-P08:SGBGolf_NEW_template 24/12/09 11:55 Page 8
News
www.ispo.com
Jones charged with
JJB recovery
ispo munich –
J
JB Sports has appointed Keith Jones as its
new chief executive. Jones is currently
group retail director at DSG – owner of
your global sports Dixons and Currys – and he is
market
scheduled to start work at the
since 1970
ailing sports retail chain on or
before March 1, 2010. He
replaces Chris Ronnie, who
was dismissed earlier this year.
Jones, 45, is clearly a man
who likes a challenge, as his
appointment was announced
in conjunction with the latest
very poor financial results from JJB. The company has reported a 29% drop
in sales, year on year, for the 20-week period until December 13, 2009.
The results cap a miserable year for the multiple retailer, which has
struggled to compete against its big-box-budget rival Sports Direct. JJB
reported a loss of £42.9 million over the first six months of 2009, which
almost led to the company falling into administration.
In addition to a serious drop in stock levels, JJB’s troubles mounted even
further this year with an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office over a
suspected sports retail cartel with Sports Direct. While that investigation
continues, Jones will be hoping he is taking control of a company that
cannot sink any further, particularly as a further downturn would almost
certainly lead to the end of the road for the retail chain.
Looking ahead, a company statement was short on festive joy: “We do
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c not expect to receive our full stock package until the first quarter of 2010.
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Consequently we continue to be cautious about Christmas and New Year
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and expect that trading within the current environment will remain
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difficult.”
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www.jjbsports.com
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thomas streubel, martin & fo
On a roll
T
he Rolling People Distribution is celebrating a
successful first year of sales in the UK, on
the back of strong sales of skate brand Vision
Streetwear and footwear accessories brand
Mr Lacy.
“The Rolling People is the new generation
of distributor for the UK & Ireland,” claims
The Rolling People’s Dan Evans. “We’re
100% brand focused. We have secured some
great brands and in our first season trading
our sales have been very positive with both Mr
Lacy and Vision performing beyond our
expectations.
“2010 is set to be a really exciting year for
The Rolling People, we’ve methodically planned
a long term strategy of brand development and
established a strong sales network, we’re
investing heavily in customer service, marketing
and PR as I know retailer support and building
great brands is key to our success.”
Mr Lacy has been stocked by JD Sports since
7-10 feb10
October 2009. Having been stocked in 50 JD
ispo info center UK & ROI: Lauren Fox, phone +44 (0)1923 233683, fox @ispo.com
outlets as a trial, Evans says that nationwide
Messe München GmbH, Messegelände, 81823 München, phone +49 (0)89 949-11 3 88,
orders for all 345 JD stores followed within three days.
fax +49 (0)89 949-11 3 89, info@ispo.com, www.ispo.com, for trade visitors only
www.therollingpeople.net
8 SGB SPORT DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010
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