A 13.1 percent increase in comparable store sales in the six weeks through Nov. 7 wasn’t good enough for JJB Sports, which called it “lower than anticipated.” It said this was due to excessive promotions, and reflected a softening market environment. The gross margin for the period fell by 6.8 percentage points to 33.8 percent. For the three months ended Nov. 7, comparable store sales were up by 11.5 percent and the gross margin fell by 4.6 percentage points to 37.6 percent, while sales were up by 9.1 percent. Net debt went up to £16.6 million (€19.4m-$26.5m) from just £1 million six weeks earlier, prompting some analysts to say JJB may need to seek additional financing. The company is looking to the Christmas season to determine the year’s results.