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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Oct- 2018 -16 OctoberSport & Leisure
American Golf bought by Endless saving 900 jobs
American Golf has been purchased by private equity investor Endless after it entered administration last Friday (12 October), saving 900 jobs and 112 stores. The investor bought the retailer immediately after it entered administration, after it previously rescued shoe retailer Jones Bootmaker in the same fashion last March. As many…
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12 OctoberDepartment Stores
Sports Direct acquires HoF Glasgow store in ‘Harrods of the North’ ambition
House of Fraser today (Friday 12 October) vowed to create the “Harrods of the North” – after announcing a £95m deal to acquire the freehold of the Frasers building in Glasgow. The flagship store already has a strong luxury brand presence which includes Hermes, Christian Louboutin, Prada and Gucci giving…
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8 OctoberClothing & Shoes
French Connection considering a potential sale
French Connection has confirmed it is considering the potential sale of the business as it is currently “reviewing all strategic options”. In a statement to the London Stock Exchange on Monday (8 October) the fashion retailer set out its position following reports over the weekend, and also added that there…
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5 OctoberGovernment
MPs launch inquiry into top fashion retailers
Some 10 of the UK’s leading fashion retailers have been asked to submit evidence on the steps being taken to reduce social and environmental impact. The chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Mary Creagh MP has written to the chief executives of a number of retail chains. This includes Asda,…
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2 OctoberDepartment Stores
Debenhams merchandising director leaves amid trouble with insurers
Debenhams merchandising director Adele Calderwood has reportedly stepped down following yesterday’s news that the company’s insurers had pulled out. Calderwood, who joined the company from Arcadia in 2004 and worked for the retailer for 14 years, will now depart according to reports by Drapers. Debenhams told Retail Sector it had…
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2 OctoberDepartment Stores
Sports Direct ousts entire House of Fraser management team
Sports Direct has announced it has dismissed the entire management and executive team of House of Fraser following the department store’s collapse and subsequent takeover by Mike Ashley. In a short statement released to the London Stock Exchange, the company said this was due to “calls for an investigation” regarding…
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Sep- 2018 -24 SeptemberPeople Moves
Richard Bottomley appointed non-executive director of Sports Direct
Sporting retailer Sports Direct has appointed Richard Bottomley as its new non-executive director, with effect from 1 October 2018. Bottomley has over 25 years’ experience working with listed companies during his time as a senior partner at audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG, and continues to be a member of…
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17 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Sports Direct denies Mike Ashley will block Debenhams’ Magasin du Nord sale
Sports Direct has denied the claims which emerged over the weekend that Mike Ashley will attempt to block a sale of Debenhams’ Magasin du Nord business. Reports had suggested the Sports Direct boss could block Debenhams attempt to raise cash through the £250m deal, in order to buy the store…
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14 SeptemberHigh Street
Sports Direct struggling to find auditor as EY, KPMG and PwC refuse role
EY, KPMG and PwC have all declined to take on an audit of Sports direct as the company attempts to find a replacement for Grant Thornton. According to Sky News three out of the ‘big four’ accounting firms have declined to take up the role due to potential conflicts of…
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13 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Sports Direct rules out Debenhams takeover
Sports Direct has quashed speculation that it could increase its 30% stake in embattled department store Debenhams with a buyout deal. Senior non-executive director Simon Bentley caused confusion when he told reporters that a House of Fraser and Debenhams merger had “been discussed” by the board during its AGM on…
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