Sports Direct closes five Jack Wills stores

Sports Direct is closing a further five Jack Wills stores, including its units at Gatwick Airport and Bluewater shopping centre in Kent. The clothing retailer’s shops in Oxford, Newcastle and Winchester will also close. Sports Direct bought Jack Wills out of administration on 5 August for £12.8m. At the time, Jack Wills had 100 stores in the UK and Ireland. A spokesman for Sports Direct said: “We are continuing to work hard with our landlords to try and keep as many stores in the existing portfolio open. “Unfortunately, it has not been possible to save these five stores.  Where possible, Sports Direct is committed to finding new roles within the group for all affected Jack Wills staff.” Sports Direct previously closed eight shops in August, in Marlborough, Rock, St Albans, Tunbridge Wells, Derby, Reigate, Durham, and Kingston. CBRE is advising Sports Direct on all property matters relating to its Jack Wills purchase. To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette