JD Sports has recorded a growth in revenue across its golden quarter trading period, despite what the retailer called a “challenging and volatile market”.

Like-for-like revenue in the nine weeks to January 4 rose 1.5% over a period that saw “increased promotional activity” for many.

JD’s like-for-like revenue to the year to date is flat, but organic revenue growth was up 3.4% with full year organic revenue expected to rise to 5%.

Footwear saw rising sales that outperformed apparel, and its stores outperformed its online channel. JD’s Sporting Goods and Outdoor segment saw strong like-for-like revenue over this period.

Like-for-like revenue growth in Europe and Asia Pacific also partially offset weaker trading across the UK and North America.

The recent acquisition of US sportswear brand Hibbett traded slightly ahead of the North America business, while the acquisition of French sports footwear and apparel brand Courir also traded well.

JD now expects its profit before tax and adjusting items to be between £915m and £935m, down slightly on its previous guidance as it takes a “cautious view” of the new year.

JD Sports chief executive Régis Schultz said: “Considering the current headwinds in the market, we performed well, delivering organic revenue growth of 3.4% across the period, and a strong Christmas resulted in LFL revenue growth in December. I would like to thank all our colleagues for the hard work and commitment they showed throughout this key part of the year.

“In line with our proven long-term approach, we chose not to participate in what was a more promotional environment in the period than we anticipated, fully maintaining our trading discipline to deliver gross margins ahead of last year, clean inventory and strong cash management.

“While I am pleased overall with our performance, market headwinds were higher than we anticipated and therefore our full year profit forecast is slightly below our previous guidance. With these trading conditions expected to continue, we are taking a cautious view of the new financial year.”