Sports Direct saves House of Fraser Intu stores

Four House of Fraser stores in Intu shopping centres have been saved from closure, avoiding the loss of more than 1,000 jobs.

The Lakeside, Metrocentre, Norwich, and Nottingham stores were at risk of closing after Sports Direct was unable to reach an agreement with Intu Properties landlords. In November, Sports Direct said it was consulting staff regarding the shuttering of the stores and they were set to close this year.

Mike Ashley then threatened to close all the stores he owned within Intu shopping centres, including Evans Cycles and Sports Direct, which would have affected 15 outlets in total.

Sports Direct’s head of elevation, Mike Murray, said: “After the stalled talks with Intu we are happy to announce that we have come to an agreement that will help secure the future of House of Fraser Intu stores in Norwich, Metro Centre, Lakeside and Nottingham. This is great news for over 1,000 employees whose jobs have now been saved.”

A spokesperson for Intu added: “We are committed to working with all our retailers to ensure they are perfectly placed to showcase their brands and draw in shoppers. Our high footfall winning destinations are designed to help all our tenants flourish.

“We confirm that following constructive discussions with Sports Direct, we have reached an interim agreement on four House of Fraser stores at Intu Chapelfield, Intu Lakeside, Intu Metrocentre and Intu Victoria Centre.”