Bury-based JD Sports Fashion has indicated that it might have to close more low performing Blacks Leisure stores after the weak performance lead to a steep fall in profits.

JD Sports Fashion had acquired the business for £20 million in January and it has already shut the doors on 93 of the worst performing stores. It is believed that another 50 stores might face closure in the coming time as the company looks to long term estate.

The company will also stop using the name, Millets and use its own Blacks brand. Blacks recorded a £10 million loss in the six months to July 28 resulting in a fall of JD's to just £2.9 million compared to £20.1 million in the previous year.

With the stabilizing business conditions in the country, it is believed that Blacks might reach its break even in the second half of the year. JD said that the store it had purchased in January faced a severe lack of stocks as well as a large number of stores.

The company said that even as the stores is expected to reach break even in the second half of the year, the margins will be under pressure due to need for clearing the camping material from stores following a raining summer season in the country.