The founders of iconic quarter independent shop Oi Polloi have addressed rumours regarding the brand's future.
Last month it was reported that the shop was set to close as new owners of the store, retail giants JD sports, were planning a rebrand of the premises. The Bury-headquartered sportswear giant has owned the company since May 2021.
Oi Polloi was founded by Steve Sanderson and Nigel Lawson and sells a menswear range from brands such as Keen and Patagonia. At the time of the announced closure, the Manchester Evening News understood that the founders were in talks with JD Sports over the future of the Oi Polloi brand, while it was not confirmed which of JD Sports' brands will take over the shop itself.
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Now, the founders have sought to set the record straight on the future of the Oi Polloi brand by issuing a statement on social media. They have said that the clothing brand has "not bit the dust" but has gone into "hibernation", and encouraged followers to subscribe to its newsletter for "exact battle plans".
Taking to Instagram, owners wrote: "There’s been a few rumours boy-racing down the information superhighway these past couple of months regarding Oi Polloi’s future, so it’s time to set the record straight – no, Oi Polloi has not bit the dust.
"We are having to go into hibernation for a bit, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes of a torched public-use e-bike, we will rise again. Huge changes are on the horizon, some good, some not so much… so let’s start with that.
"Unfortunately, our beloved Manchester outpost on Thomas Street has sadly retired to the big pearly white retail park in the sky. We’d like to thank everyone who ever came down to the shop to buy something or just to have a good ol’ chinwag, and without getting too teary-eyed, we’re absolutely gutted to say goodbye to our Mancunian stronghold and all those who passed through its hallowed doors – customers and staff members alike.
"That being said, Oi Polloi will live on, albeit in a metamorphosed form – we’re going back to the source of the Oi Polloi wellspring, taking a dip, then marching into hitherto uncharted zones with a invigorated pep in our step. We’ve got to remain tight-lipped about our exact battle plans for now, but you can stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter (link in bio), as well as keeping a keen eye on our socials. We’ll see you soon. Oi Polloi."
The founders signed off with a quote from Frank Zappa, writing: “Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible." In the comments, the brand added that any questions on returns, customer service and gift cards could be directed to the Oi Polloi website.
The post was met by a flurry of supportive messages, for the founders, but also attracted criticism for the takeover. One person wrote: "Keep fighting the good fight Steve and Nige. The world of retail (and my wardrobe) needs you."
Another wrote: "Tragic. Obvs had a offer they couldn't refuse. Such a shame, decent gear & staff. Will be missed!!"
A third, lamenting the loss of independent businesses from city centres wrote: "This just breaks my heart. Oi Polloi has been my shop of choice for most of the past decade and to see its decline is a travesty. I've seen the Hip Stores rapid decline in Leeds over the past couple of years and I fear for how Oi Polloi is reinvented. Hopefully someone will be brave enough to come up with something pretty similar like Peggs & Son or some of the other dwindling band of independent clothes shops."
The news of JD's takeover of the shop on Thomas Street came not long after the retail giant completed the sale of 14 of its brands to Mike Ashley's Frasers Group in a deal worth almost £50m. In February, it also set out its vision to become the world's "leading global sports-fashion powerhouse".
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