Apology for ‘ill-judged’ bid to keep Sports Direct stores open

SPORTS Direct billionaire Mike Ashley has apologised after a backlash when he pledged to defy official advice and keep his stores open throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The retail tycoon said in an open letter that his emails to ministers arguing some stores should stay open were “ill-judged and poorly timed”.

He added that communication with the employees and the public had been poor – and pledged to put the company’s entire fleet of lorries at the disposal of the NHS to help deliver medical supplies and equipment.

Mr Ashley initially argued that Sports Direct was an essential operator because its products help keep the nation fit, before performing an about-turn and closing his stores in the face of public fury.

The retail chief also drew fire for hiking prices on a range of home exercise products by up to 50pc, which Sports Direct now seems to have reversed.

Mr Ashley said: “In hindsight, our emails to the Government were illjudged and poorly timed, when they clearly had much greater pressures than ours to deal with. I am deeply apologetic about the misunderstandings of the last few days. We will learn and try not to make the same mistakes.”

Earlier this week, Mr Ashley’s business, Frasers Group, had said that both Sports Direct and sister brand Evans Cycles would stay open because they are well placed to keep the country healthy. It drew a swift response from Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, who said: “I can’t see any justification for Sports Direct remaining open.” The chain closed its doors that day.

Another target for criticism this week has been Tim Martin, the boss of Wetherspoon, who was forced to go back on a decision not to pay staff until a Government scheme kicks in.

He has also reversed a decision to withhold payments to suppliers after brewers wrote to Mr Martin demanding he released the money they are owed. Brewers said they were owed tens of thousands of pounds by the pub chain and warned many could go bust if they did not receive the payment.