More jobs go at JJB’s lifestyle unit
A FURTHER 10 stores from JJB Sports’ stricken lifestyle division have been closed by administrators with the loss of more than 120 jobs.
The loss-making lifestyle division, which trade as Original Shoe Company and Qube, were placed into administration by Wigan-based JJB in med-February, and immediately closed 45 shops, with the loss of 438 jobs
After the closure of the latest batch of shops -which includes an OSC branch in Carlisle – 287 staff remain across the 19 OSC and three Qube stores that continue to trade and at the firm’s administrative centre in Wigan.
Joint administrator Richard Fleming of KPMG said further store closures could not be ruled out.
He said: “We are still considering our options and are in dialogue with interested parties for the remaining business. However, the strategy as to the remaining stores is being reviewed on a daily basis, although further store closures are likely.”
JJB Sports is in talks with former chairman Dave Whelan over the sale of 52 health clubs and associated stores for a reported £70m. It needs the money to pay down a £60m bank debt.
