JD-owned Wellgosh retail brand closes

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Mar 2, 2023

Midlands fashion retailer Wellgosh looks to have become the latest victim of the tough UK economy, falling into receivership. The JD Sports-owned brand has closed its stores after 35 years in business.

JD confirmed the failure this week and that the brand’s three stores -- in Leicester, Nottingham and Birmingham -- have been closed. However, reasons for its failure have yet to be officially revealed.

According to JD, the trio of stores will be converted into Size? the international fashion/footwear brand also owned and operated by JD, “in due course”.

Wellgosh, which started out as an independent fashion retailer but was bought by JD in January 2021, said its website and stores “will close shortly.”

It must be a disappointment with Wellgosh having opened its latest UK store in Birmingham only in July last year. The 3,500sq ft store was its largest unit, having added a Nottingham store in October 2021 with its original flagship store first opened in Leicester.

JD Sports first became involved in the business in September 2020, with the appointment of former CEO Peter Cowgill as a director.