Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has closed eight Jack Wills stores following its acquisition of the fashion retailer earlier this month.

The retail group said that attempts would be made to redeploy staff to other locations amid reports that further stores are being eyed for closure if Sports Direct cannot negotiate lower rents with landlords.

Sports Direct bought Jack Wills for £12.75 million this month in a pre-pack administration deal.

Stores that have been shuttered include: Marlborough, Derby, Reigate, Rock, Tunbridge Wells, Durham, Kingston and St Albans.

As part of the pre-pack administration deal, all 100 Jack Wills stores in the UK and Ireland, as well as the distribution centre and all 1,700 employees, have transferred to Sports Direct’ new division focused solely on buying and building fashion and sports brands.

A spokesperson for Sports Direct said: “Since rescuing Jack Wills from administration last week, we have been working hard with landlords to try and keep as many stores in the existing portfolio open.

"Unfortunately, the landlords involved with these eight stores have not cooperated. Where possible, Sports Direct is committed to finding new roles within the group for all affected Jack Wills staff," it added.

Share Story: