A HIGH street sports chain is closing nearly half a dozen shops, including an iconic store loved by Liam and Noel Gallagher
Oi Polloi, which is owned by JD Sports, is to close its flagship store in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, according to reports.
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The shop was founded by Steve Sanderson and Nigel Lawson 20 years ago before being taken over by sportswear giant JD in 2021.
It sells a selection of menswear from brands, including Stone Island, Polo Ralph Lauren and Patagonia.
But it is now understood that the store will close for good and another brand owned by JD will open in its place.
It comes after JD announced it was closing all of its Wellgosh stores in Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham, as well as its website.
The independent retailer, which sells a range of designer clothes, opened in 1988 before being taken over by JD Sports in 2021.
Wellgosh closed its branch in Leicester with huge queues forming outside the store as shoppers rush to grab a bargain.
Similar scenes were seen outside its Birmingham branch today following the news of its closure, according to BirminghamLive.
It means a total of four JD Sports brands have been marked for closure.
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The Sun has contacted JD Sports for comment.
Heartbroken customers have taken to social media to react to the news of its potential closure.
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher paid tribute to the store that was regularly frequented by him and his brother Noel.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “Oi Polloi closing down noooooooooooooooo ffs there is no GOD.”
One fan commented: “Best shop in Manchester serious business.”
While another said: “Bought myself a jacket there last month, gutted.”
And a third added: “A total travesty. That place kick-started so many fashions that are totally mainstream now.”
JD Sports has more than 400 stores across the UK and over 900 worldwide.
It also owns retailers, including Size?, FootPatrol and US brands like Finish Line and ShoePalace.
The news comes as the UK high street is facing tough times as shoppers spend less in shops due to bills and costs increasing.
With costs high for shoppers, too it means that people have been cutting back on non-essentials and prices continue to skyrocket.
Over the last few months major chains have announced closures, including Paperchase, Iceland and B&M.
Food and pub chains have also been closing doors at several locations across the country – including Wetherspoons.
This weekend B&Q, Boots and Argos are set to close branches – here, we explain which ones will shut for good.
Last year, JD Sports announced it was partnering with Deliveroo to deliver trainers to your door in two hours.
Plus, JD was the target of a cyber attack, with ten million customers having their data leaked online.
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