Retail group Sports Direct has said it will close its stores after a backlash against a call for its staff to continue to sell sports and fitness equipment in the face of coronavirus.
In a major U-turn after thousands of people criticised the company’s original stance, Frasers Group chief finance officer Chris Wootton said its Sports Direct and Evans Cycles stores will not open on Tuesday.
He said in a “clarification” that they will remain shut, despite stating that government policy “excludes bicycle shops from closure”.
Stores will not reopen until “given the go-ahead by the Government”, he added.
The retailer said it is contacting the Government “at all levels” in an attempt to get confirmation from the Prime Minister.
It comes after politicians hit out at the business for its plan to keep stores open after Boris Johnson ordered non-essential shops to close, with Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery telling company majority owner Mike Ashley to “take some responsibility” and “shut up shop”.
Earlier this morning, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said he could not see any justification for Sports Direct to stay open during coronavirus restrictions. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Mr Gove said Sports Direct CEO Mike Ashley should “rescind what he said”.
