By Amber Murray JD Sports has reported record revenue in the first half of the year after a pick-up in sales and the acquisition of American retailer Hibbett. Revenue at the retailer reached just over £5bn in the 26 weeks to 3 August 2024, up by 5.2 per cent year on year. Profit before tax rose by two per cent to £405m, while earnings per share rose 4.5 per cent to 5.15p. Like-for-like sales growth in the first half of the year was 0.7 per cent, and underlying operating margins were in line with last year. Its gross margin fell by two per cent in a “volatile market”, JD said. The pick-up in sa…