High street chain is closing another store - but shoppers are trying to save it

Sports Direct is closing one of its stores this winter - and one devastated shopper has set up an online petition to try and keep it open. The sports chain is shutting its branch in the White Rose Shopping Centre in Rhyl.

Shoppers have been told the store is closing in October, according to NorthWalesLive. Sports Direct has around 500 stores in the UK and is owned by Frasers Group, which was founded by retailer billionaire Mike Ashley.

One shopper, Amy Jones, has set up an online petition on Change.org to try and keep the Sports Direct store open. She wrote: "Sports Direct in Rhyl is more than just a retail store; it's a vital part of our community.

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“Over the years, it has provided not just a shopping venue but also employment opportunities and support for local sports enthusiasts. The closure of Sports Direct in Rhyl would have detrimental effects on our local economy and community well-being."

In a separate Facebook post, another shopper commented: "Another shop closing... Rhyl will be a ghost town soon." Another said: "Will be plenty more closing as well in Rhyl the way things are going."

It comes after Sports Direct closed its store in Cambridge shut down in April 2025, while its branch in Central Six Retail Park store in Coventry pulled down the shutters at the end of January.

Its branches in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and on Octagon Parade in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, also shut permanently last year.

In more retail news, Poundland yesterday revealed a list of 25 stores that will close for good in August. The discount chain has been sold for £1 to investment firm Gordon Brothers, the former owner of Laura Ashley, and had already confirmed that it will close 68 branches as part of its major restructure.

Poundland will shut ten stores on August 10 and a further 15 branches will close their doors for good on August 17. Of the remaining 43 stores identified for closure as part the restructuring plan, three have already closed.

This includes the Poundland in Swiss Cottage which shut on April 20, 2024, while its branch in Chiswick closed on May 28 and its Southampton West Quay store shut on June 9.

It has been reported that the remaining 40 stores will close by mid-October. Poundland said the closures, alongside leases expiring, will see its store estate reduced to between 650 and 700. Poundland has around 800 stores currently.

Poundland also revealed it will close its distribution centre at Darton, South Yorkshire and its national distribution centre at Bilston in the West Midlands in early 2026.