Fraser Group has said it will not be opening any of its stores in England over the lockdown period, even if they are considered “essential retail”.
The group, which includes Sports Direct, Jack Wills, House of Fraser, Evans Cycles and Flannels, plans to reopen stores when current regulations expire after 28 days. They have been closed since 5 November.
Stores in Northern Ireland and Scotland remain open. In Wales, stores are expected to reopen on 9 November, subject to further announcements.
And, in a statement, the group – which is majority-owned by retail tycoon Mike Ashley – has strongly criticised the government and in particular the actions of Michael Gove MP.
Ashley had intended to keep Sports Direct open during the last lockdown in March, on the basis of selling sporting and fitness equipment. The move was criticised by the government, and Michael Gove at the time.
Commenting on the government’s updated retail rules, Fraser Group said: “Inconsistencies remain and, given Michael Gove MP chose to perform a PR stunt on TV to deflect the public’s opprobrium onto Frasers Group at the start of the previous lockdown, we currently will not be opening any of our fascias in England, including those with mixed retail use that include ‘essential retail.’”
The group warned that the government is “failing to provide the leadership and guidance that businesses require.” And, the “systematic and risible mismanagement” of the Covid crisis is “causing devastation” in the retail sector, Fraser Group said.
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