AGM Statement

RNS Number:1325P
John David Group (The) PLC
21 July 2005


21 July 2005
                            THE JOHN DAVID GROUP PLC

                             AGM TRADING STATEMENT

At the AGM of The John David Group Plc ("the Group"), to be held today at 1pm,
the following trading update will be provided to attending shareholders:

On 11 May 2005 in the Preliminary Announcement of the Group's results for the
year ended 31 January 2005, we reported like for like sales growth of 2.4%
(Sport 2.7%; Fashion 0.3%) for the thirteen weeks ended 30 April 2005.

Since that time, as widely reported, there has been general weakness on the high
street as a result of the economy tightening. In addition, the Sport Fascias
benefited last year from Euro 2004 during May and June. Whilst such combined
influences have resulted in a decline in performance over the last eleven weeks
in total, we are pleased to report that the like for like sales performance has
been positive over the last four weeks, despite the adverse influence of the
London bombings.

The rationalisation of stocks and brands relating to the original JD Fashion
chain and the recently acquired Scotts business has been largely completed with
a resultant improvement in the overall stock position; however this exercise has
adversely limited sales in the short term. We expect that the coordinated
approach to the Autumn ranges currently being delivered will produce a more
positive performance.

Like for like sales for the 24 weeks ended 16 July 2005 were up in the Sport
Fascias (0.2%), but down in the Fashion Fascias (-3.4%). Overall like for like
sales for the 24 weeks ended 16 July 2005 were marginally down at -0.1%. Notably
however, overall gross margins improved in both divisions and operating costs
are within expectations.

The Board remains confident that current market expectations will be met for the
year.

Progress continues to be made with the store portfolio reorganisation and a
further thirteen stores (9 Sport; 4 Fashion) have been closed since the year
end. We have also opened one JD store. The rebranding of the original JD Fashion
stores (ATH- and AV) to Scotts has commenced and will be a priority over the
next 12 months.

The Fashion Fascias are now autonomously managed by a team, based in Cheshire,
led by Rob Frost who was the Managing Director of Scotts when it was acquired in
December 2004. The move onto new systems and the consolidation of the division's
warehousing requirement in Middlewich have now been successfully completed.

Following the Pentland Group PLC's ("Pentland") offer for the entire share
capital of the Group ("the Offer"), approximately 57% of our shares are now held
by them through their Manchester Square Enterprises Limited subsidiary. The
Board composition remains as before, but Pentland may appoint a representative
to the Board in due course.

Two members of the current Board retain share options under the old share option
scheme, which, following the Offer, have to be exercised before 30 November 2005
or they will lapse. Given that a large part of the remaining exercise period
will be a close period it is expected that those Directors will exercise these
options in the near future.

The Board expects to present its interim results on 5 October 2005.

Enquiries:                                         Tel: [phone]

The John David Group Plc
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman
Barry Bown, Chief Executive
Brian Small, Finance Director

Hogarth Partnership Limited                     Tel: [phone]
Andrew Jaques
Barnaby Fry




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