Overview

• Sports Direct has begun a closing-down sale at its Rhyl White Rose Shopping Centre outlet as the store prepares to close in October.
• Local resident Amy Jones created a Change.org petition arguing the outlet offers crucial community services, jobs and support for local sports enthusiasts.
• The Rhyl closure follows a series of Frasers Group cuts this year, including Sports Direct branches in Coventry (January) and Cambridge (April).
• The Centre for Retail Research forecasts some 17,350 UK retail sites will close in 2025, building on the 13,000 high street exits recorded in 2024.
• The UK government has earmarked £20 million for regeneration projects in Rhyl to counteract the impact of ongoing store closures.