Sports Direct is set to close one of its stores this winter, causing distress to a dedicated shopper who has initiated an online petition to prevent its closure. The affected store is located in the White Rose Shopping Centre in Rhyl.
According to NorthWalesLive, shoppers have been informed that the store will cease operations in October. Sports Direct, which is under the ownership of Frasers Group founded by renowned retailer billionaire Mike Ashley, operates approximately 500 stores across the UK.
Amy Jones, a concerned shopper, has launched an online petition on Change.org in a bid to save the Sports Direct store in Rhyl. Jones emphasized the significance of the store in the community, stating that it not only serves as a retail outlet but also offers employment opportunities and supports local sports enthusiasts. She expressed concerns about the adverse impact the closure would have on the local economy and community well-being.
In a related development, customers expressed dismay on Facebook over the closure of another shop in Rhyl, with concerns raised about the potential decline of the town. This move follows the closure of Sports Direct stores in Cambridge in April 2025 and Coventry’s Central Six Retail Park in January of the same year, as well as permanent closures of branches in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, last year.
In other retail news, Poundland announced the permanent closure of 25 stores in August as part of a restructuring plan following its sale to investment firm Gordon Brothers. The discount chain has already closed 3 out of the 68 branches earmarked for closure. The remaining closures are scheduled to take place by mid-October, reducing the store estate to between 650 and 700 from the current 800 stores.
Additionally, Poundland disclosed plans to shut down its distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, and the national distribution centre in Bilston, West Midlands, by early 2026.