Sports Direct
This coverage focuses on Sports Direct’s activities and position within the UK retail market, detailing store developments, acquisitions, financial results, leadership changes, and strategic initiatives. Reporting examines how the company shapes its sportswear and leisure offering, adapts to market trends, and competes in a dynamic retail environment — providing retail managers and executives with insights into its operations and growth strategies.
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Apr- 2021 -7 AprilM&A
Frasers Group calls for Peacocks sale inquiry
Frasers Group has reportedly called for an investigation to be launched into the sale of fashion chain Peacocks to an international consortium backed by chief operating officer, Steve Simpson. According to the Guardian, Mike Ashley, owner of Sports Direct and House of Fraser, was beaten in his Peacocks takeover bid…
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Mar- 2021 -10 MarchSport & Leisure
Evans Cycles to axe 300 roles
The Mike Ashley-owned Evans Cycles is reportedly set to axe more than 300 roles across the business as Frasers Group looks to cut further costs amid the pandemic. According to The Guardian, store employees will fall from 813 staff to 475, while “hundreds” of remaining store staff are also expected…
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Nov- 2020 -16 NovemberDepartment Stores
JD Sports enters race for Debenhams
JD Sports has reportedly entered the race to acquire embattled department store Debenhams, and has been granted access to Debenhams’ finances in a secure data room. According to The Telegraph, JD Sports has emerged as a potential contender after being given access to Debenhams’ finances within the last fortnight. One…
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Oct- 2020 -29 OctoberHigh Street
Frasers Group to open new ‘game-changing’ multi-brand store
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, is set to open a brand new multi-fascia store in Portsmouth this weekend, as part of the group’s ongoing elevation programme. The new 51,000 sq. ft store, situated in the Cascades Shopping centre, will feature the brand’s new “premium design”. It is the very first multi-destination…
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Aug- 2020 -12 AugustHigh Street
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group delays results for second consecutive year
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has announced it is to delay the publication of its annual results for the second consecutive year. Frasers Group, which comprises House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Evans Cycle and Flannels, had been scheduled to release its latest set of financial results tomorrow (13 August) but it…
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Jul- 2020 -9 JulyCoronavirus
Frasers Group to stop rent payments until it can ‘freely trade’
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly told landlords that it will withhold rent payments until it is “fully able to freely trade as a business”. According to a letter seen by Estates Gazette, the Sports Direct owner said although it is willing to enter negotiations with landlords but said that…
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Jun- 2020 -8 JuneLuxury Goods
Mulberry to cut global workforce by 25%
Luxury retailer Mulberry has announced the launch of a consultation process on proposals to reduce its workforce by approximately 25% across its global business. The fashion giant said that the move was proposed following efforts to manage its cost base and operations in light of the ongoing “uncertainty” presented by…
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May- 2020 -28 MayDepartment Stores
Mike Ashley fails to prompt financial investigation into Debenhams
Retail mogul Mike Ashley has failed to trigger an investigation into the financial affairs of embattled department store chain Debenhams, reports have claimed. According to Sky News, Ashley’s lawyers requested that a “provisional liquidator” be appointed to handle the investigation. However, judge Mark Mullen refused to make the appointment during…
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27 MayCoronavirus
Frasers Group CFO blames reopening delay on ‘Cummings fiasco’
Chris Wooton, the chief financial officer of the Frasers Group, has blamed the new opening date for non-essential retail as a result of the “Dominic Cummings Fiasco” which has made the government “hesitant”. Speaking to ITV News last night (26 May) Wooton made the claim that the current controversy surrounding…
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11 MayHigh Street
Mike Ashley and Peter Cowgill in race to acquire Office
Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley and JD Sports owner Peter Cowgill have both been revealed as bidders for footwear retailer Office. According to Sky News, it comes as the chain seeks funding to support it through the current coronavirus pandemic. Two other unnamed parties who have also expressed an interest…
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