JD Sports has confirmed the appointment of administrators for its struggling Go Outdoors brand, following days of speculation about the fascia’s future.

In a statement issued to the City this morning, JD Sports said that having “considered a number of strategic options for Go”, it had lodged a notice of intention to appoint administrators for Go Outdoors, its high street fascia specialising in fishing, cycling and camping gear.

The brand, which has 67 stores, closed them in April due to the coronavirus and reopened in May. However, restrictions to outdoor activities as a result of the pandemic and the closure of public campsites are likely to have decimated sales.

Accountancy firm Deloitte was being tapped by JD Sports for a restructuring of the brand, which could well result in job losses across its 2,300-strong workforce.

Go Outdoors had been mulling a potential sale in recent weeks; however, JD had hoped to maintain control of the brand, according to reports by Sky News.

JD Sports paid £112m for the Go Outdoors chain in November 2016.

This is the latest retail administration blamed on the coronavirus, following the likes of Oasis and Warehouse, Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston and Debenhams.

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