JD Sports announces plans to reopen stores across UK

JD Sports, the retail giant which has a ­controlling stake in ­Scottish outdoor retailer Tiso, has confirmed all its stores across England will reopen from 15 June.

The chain plans to reopen its Scottish stores when lockdown restrictions are further eased. Picture: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

The chain said its entire 309-strong estate in England will reopen to customers across shopping centres, high streets and retail parks, after the UK government gave the go-ahead for non-essential retail to restart.

It will also open its high street and standalone stores in Northern Ireland but shopping centres there will remain closed.

The firm is planning to reopen in Scotland when lockdown restrictions are eased, potentially from later this month if phase two is hit.

JD Sports said it will be allowing a limited number of shoppers in stores, providing hand sanitising stations, protective screens at tills, separating returned stock for 72 hours to reduce transmission, and closing changing rooms, in line with government guidance.

It has also given staff physical distance training ahead of reopening, while each store will have a “host” near the entrance to manage access and answer customer questions on safety measures.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman at JD Sports, said: “Following 12 weeks of lockdown, we recognise the continued importance of maintaining social distancing and a safe environment in which to work and shop, and therefore have taken all necessary steps and precautions to give our staff and customers the confidence that they can safely return to our stores.”

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