Major UK high street brand to close 50 stores as economy 'challenging' (2025)

JD Sports, which is one of the UK's biggest sports retailers, has confirmed it will be shutting around 50 stores next year - but the move is not expected to impact the UK

JD Sports, a leading force in the UK's retail sportswear scene, is planning to shut down roughly 50 stores in the upcoming year, as outlined in part of the business’ Q4 update.

In a Q4 update statement on April 9, the retailer explained that this cull is part of a broader strategy, which also boasts about 150 swanky new store openings and 100 facelifts and moves. With a mighty footprint spanning 36 countries and about 4,500 stores – including a hefty 412 on UK soil – JD Sports is not messing around.

Thankfully for British shoppers, the cutbacks aren't expected to bite too hard at home, as the statement made it clear that Eastern Europe will be feeling the brunt of these store shutters. The retailer spelt it out: "We anticipate 150 new stores and 100 conversions/relocation's in the year. There will also be 50 closures, mainly in Eastern Europe."

Despite flexing some impressive muscle with predicted on-target profits and sales for the previous year, JD Sports didn't sugarcoat the truth, flagging up some seriously "volatile" trade winds heading its way as it navigates through economically "challenging" waters. This caution has been mirrored in their share prices taking a tumble recently.

They added: "We expect the trading environment in our key markets to be volatile throughout the year and we have started the year in line with our expectations.

"We note the proposed changes to tariffs announced last week. At this stage, the outcome of these developments is uncertain.", reports the Mirror. "We are in regular dialogue with our brand partners but it is too early to comment on the potential sector impact," the claimed.

However, the news is positive for the company as despite the closures in Eastern Europe, the company will grow its portfolio of stores with the 150 new openings.

The closure news comes 24 hours after supermarket giants Morrisons confirmed it was closing 16 UK-based stores.

The blow to the UK's dying high street will see 52 in-store cafés, 18 Market Kitches, 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores – including the Haxby venue they shuttered on Monday – and 35 meat and fish counters shut down as part of its restructuring efforts.

The grocers, which have been operating since 1899, will also close 13 of its florists and four pharmacies, citing that these services proved more costly to maintain than the revenue generated from customer spending. The changes unfortunately put 365 jobs at risk.

Morrisons boss Rami Baitiéh described the closures as a "necessary" step in the company's plans to "renew and reinvigorate Morrisons." He claims the plans will change the business for the better and allow investments into other areas.

He said: "In most locations the Morrisons Café has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option."

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