Earlier this week, when lockdown restrictions were imposed on Leicester again, owing to fresh cases of coronavirus, it sent shock waves to several retailers running their stores in the city.
While many retails stores subsequently shut down in the city, British sportswear retailer Frasers Group has urged the Government to allow Sports Direct stores in the city to stay open during the city lockdown.
Chris Wootton, Chief Financial Officer, Frasers Group, in a letter written to the Government has condemned the decision to impose lockdown.
The letter to Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove also stated that since Sports Direct sells essential items such as bicycles and sports equipment, they should be given the permission to open the stores.
Moreover, the letter said that Decathlon and Go Outdoors too sell bicycles and if they have been allowed to open, Sports Direct stores should not be an exception.
Chris also asked the Government why off-licenses were kept open while stores selling sporting products were closed – and that too despite Government’s continuous efforts to focus on health and fitness.
Leicester was earlier this week enforced lockdown after reports said that the city accounted for 10 per cent of all cases in the UK with almost 1,000 people being suspected of the deadly virus in last 2 weeks.
The UK retailer, which also owns House of Frasers and Flannels among others, generates revenue of £3,701.9 million.
