Sports store quits Spindles

SPORTS retailer JJB is closing down its Oldham operation at The Spindles Shopping Centre.

A sign has appeared on the two-storey former C&A unit and the company, which has its head office in Wigan, confirmed doors will close for the last time on Sunday, July 3.

JJB, which has negotiated a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) nationally, employs 20 full and part-time staff in Oldham.

The company has been struggling for several years and has been negotiating with landlords throughout the country for rent reductions.

Earlier this year the company agreed under the CVA, which is a formal procedure which enables a company to agree with its creditors an arrangement over its debts, to close 43 stores by April 24, 2012 — Oldham was one of these.

The national retailer moved into the shopping mall 10 years ago, consolidating its outlets in Curzon Street and Henshaw Street.

Spindles Shopping Centre manager, Mike Flanagan, said: “It is disappointing to see them go, but the landlord is working hard to fill the unit.

“The landlord is also working very hard to fill the smaller units we have got as well.”

A new addition opened in Town Square on Wednesday — jewellery store, HPJ.

Plus jewellers Pandora will be opening on Saturday.

The nearest JJB store now for Oldham residents is Rochdale.