Sports stores’ future hangs in the balance

Apr 17 2008

A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of Lanarkshire’s JJB Sports stores after the retail giant announced plans to close 72 shops within the next fortnight.

JJB, who have exclusive rights to sell Rangers FC merchandise, blamed the move on a slump in profits, which fell by 28 per cent to £33.8m.

And the chain opened a series of fitness clubs across Scotland in recent years.

There are JJB Sports stores in Quarry Street, Douglas Park Retail Park, both Hamilton; another in Brandon Parade South, Motherwell, and a fourth in Glasgow Road, Wishaw.