JD Sports has announced its decision to shut down its Derby distribution centre.
- The closure is expected to affect nearly 200 warehouse employees.
- JD Sports is seeking alternative roles within the company for those affected by the move.
- The closure is a result of a strategic review of JD Sports’ global supply chain.
- Operations at the Rochdale distribution centre remain unaffected.
JD Sports has confirmed the decision to close its distribution centre in Derby, which will impact just under 200 workers. This comes as part of a strategic review of the retailer’s global supply chain network. The company is actively exploring alternative employment opportunities for those affected within its business, aiming to provide support during this challenging transition.
The decision follows a series of evaluations and consultations. In July, the company initiated a redundancy consultation with workers at the Derby facility. The closure is a significant move, given that JD Sports had signed a 20-year lease just three years ago for this modern 514,000 square foot facility. Despite the closure, operations at the Rochdale centre continue unabated, underscoring a strategic consolidation rather than a complete operational cutback.
JD Sports has shared its second-quarter performance, reporting a 2.4% increase in like-for-like sales and an 8.3% rise in organic sales. CEO Régis Schultz attributed the positive performance to the strength of their multi-brand operating model and the comparison with softer figures from the previous year. This indicates that the company’s broader operational strategy remains robust despite the Derby closure.
JD Sports’ decision to close the Derby warehouse reflects a strategic shift in its global supply chain approach, with efforts to minimise employee impact.
