JD Sports will reopen most of its store estate from June 15, according to a note from Peel Hunt.
JD Sports operates just over 300 stores in the UK and plans to reopen them all if possible, in accordance with government guidelines, from mid-June.
The sportswear retailer will definitely reopen its stores on retail parks and high streets, but remains uncertain about its stores in shopping centres as these will be dependent on landlord decisions.
JD Sports will bring back its staff that have been furloughed from June 8 to prepare its stores and has created a “mock-up” in its Manchester store to help managers visualise the new store layouts.
Peel Hunt also noted that JD Sports will be able to draw on its experiences in mainland Europe to help guide its socially distanced operations, particularly for areas such as the shoe section.
Stores in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain closed until local government regulations are changed.
JD Sports recently came to blows with competitor Sports Direct over its takeover bid for Footasylum.
The acquisition was blocked by the Competition and Markets Authority, but both JD Sports and Sports Direct have now expressed interest in the sale of shoe retailer Office.
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