​Frasers Group set to close six Jack Wills stores

Frasers Group – formerly known as Sports Direct International – bought the preppy fashion brand out of administration last year for £12.8m. 

Stores in Bournemouth, Camberley, Cheltenham, Soho, Truro and Witney will shut shop over the next month as Ashley blamed “unhelpful” landlords for the closures.

A Frasers Group spokesperson said: “Since rescuing Jack Wills from administration last year, we have worked hard with landlords to try and keep as many stores as possible open.

“Our commitment to Jack Wills remains but, to ensure its future on the UK high street, we recognise the need to address running costs – including rents and business rates.

“Unfortunately, not all landlords involved have been as helpful as others.

“Where possible, we are committed to finding new roles within the group for all Jack Wills staff affected by today’s announcement.”

Earlier this week, the company wrote to Boris Johnson to push for an “urgent fundamental review” into business rates.

The letter said the business rates relief that will be offered to small businesses as referenced in the Queen’s speech last year, while welcome, “does not address the dire straits many of the medium and large stores on our high streets find themselves in”.

It continued: “We would note that it is the medium and large stores that drive footfall on to our high streets, which inherently benefits the smaller stores.

“When the key anchor stores fall away the high streets become desolate and smaller stores close as well. Improved rates relief or not, without footfall these smaller stores cannot survive.”