JD Sports has warned that retail footfall remains “weak” as cost rises caused by higher online sales weighed down on half-year profits.

The sportswear retailer said its pre-tax profits for the six months to August 1 slipped by 68% to £41.5 million.

Meanwhile, it posted revenues of £2.54 billion, down from £2.71 billion for the same period last year, after it was forced to shut its stores temporarily in March.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman and founder of the retailer, said he has been encouraged by the performance of stores since they reopened, with positive trading in the first weeks of the current half-year.

“However, retail footfall remains comparatively weak and the recent strengthening of measures in many countries and the subsequent temporary closure of some stores reminds us that Covid-19 remains an ongoing challenge,” he added.

Given the unique circumstances of this trading period, we are reassured by the strength of the JD brand as demonstrated by the retention of more than 90% of the total revenues

He told investors that the company now expects to deliver a headline profit before tax of at least £265 million for the current full year.

The company said it retained “significant” sales during the period of store closures as customers moved online, but saw profitability pressed down by additional online costs.

JD Sports said initial trading in stores after reopening was boosted by a “combination of pent-up demand and promotional activity”, but this was “generally short lived” as retail footfall remained weak.

The company said it was encouraged by “generally resilient” trading in its UK and Ireland business, but said attracting footfall into shopping centres “remains a significant challenge”.

Mr Cowgill said: “Ultimately, given the unique circumstances of this trading period, we are reassured by the strength of the JD brand as demonstrated by the retention of more than 90% of the total revenues.

“However, it should be recognised that this has necessitated additional costs principally relating to the provision of enhanced health and safety measures, in all areas of the business, together with increased costs of online fulfilment, including performance marketing.”