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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Jan- 2020 -16 JanuaryAnalysis
How in-store experiences will shape gaming retail in 2020 and beyond
A little over a year ago the Entertainment Retailer Association (ERA) announced that the gaming market accounted for more than half of the entire UK entertainment sector at more than £3.8bn, making it bigger than video and music combined. The top games released that year included FIFA 2019, Red Dead…
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10 JanuaryHigh Street
Game to shutter 40 UK stores
Video game retailer Game has confirmed it intends to shutter 40 stores throughout the UK. To date, 13 sites have had notice served including existing Game sites in Mansfield, Canterbury, Watford, Glasgow Fort and Leicester. On 8 January notice was served on a further 14 sites impacting outlets owned mostly…
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Dec- 2019 -19 DecemberHigh Street
Debenhams landlord challenges High Court CVA decision
A Debenhams landlord has decided to appeal against a recent High Court ruling which paved the way for the embattled retailer’s CVA to go ahead. According to a report by the Telegraph, the Salford-based landlord is hoping to “overthrow” the legal win from two months ago. In September, the High…
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17 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Mike Ashley warns of more House of Fraser closures
Despite experiencing the first “green shoots of recovery” further House of Fraser store closures are to be expected, Mike Ashley has warned. Commenting on the company’s latest half-year results, Ashley said Sports Direct is doing “as much as we can” to save as many jobs and stores as possible however…
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17 DecemberPeople Moves
Ted Baker appoints ex-Sports Direct CFO as non-executive director
Ted Baker has appointed Jon Kempster as an independent non-executive director effective immediately. Kempster has previously held board positions at Sports Direct, where he served as chief financial officer. He has also held senior positions at Delta, Fii Group, Linden and Low and Bonar. Kempster also held the position as…
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16 DecemberHigh Street
Sports Direct profits soar in half-year results
Shares in Sports Direct jumped more than 16% to 418p in early trading today, after the retailer announced a 160% increase in profits to £193.4m in its half-year financial report. The sports fashion retailer said the profit growth was largely due to “improved” underlying EBITDA, which increased by 21.8% to…
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6 DecemberHigh Street
Sports Direct seeking Lillywhites London lease sale
Sports Direct has reportedly put the lease for its Lillywhites store in Piccadilly Circus up for sale. According to The Guardian, the 97-year lease for the 67,000 sq ft building has been put on the market, as landlord Criterion Capital, conducts rent review talks. Lillywhites has been trading at the…
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Nov- 2019 -26 November
Sports Direct International set to rebrand as Frasers Group
Sports Direct International is set to change its name to Frasers Group, the parent company of Sports Direct has revealed. The name change forms part of a new “multi-channel elevation strategy” that aims to provide “unrivalled multi-brand offering to customers across sport, lifestyle and fashion”. News of the rebrand comes…
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18 NovemberHigh Street
Mike Ashley to seek turnover rents across Sports Direct Portfolio
Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley is reportedly seeking rent agreements with landlords that will see them linked to store performance. According to the The Sunday Times, Ashley has asked landlords to turnover rent agreements that will see up to 15% of the rent paid linked to store sales. It is…
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14 NovemberOnline & Digital
Nike cuts ties with Amazon amid increased focus on direct-to-consumer
Sports fashion retailer Nike has cut ties with online retail giant Amazon and will no longer sell its products on the platform, as it increases its focus on direct-to-consumer sales. In a statement, the retailer said that as part of Nike’s focus on “elevating consumer experiences” through more direct, personal…
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