JD Sports subsidiary Go Outdoors likely to enter administration

JD Sports is likely to appoint administrators for its subsidiary Go Outdoors after the brand was forced to close all of its 67 stores during lockdown.

The camping and hiking specialist’s owner has filed for court protection to keep creditors at bay as it considers what to do with the business.

Go Outdoors sells waterproof clothing, tents and other camping equipment and employs around 2,400 people across the UK.

The business, which relies on its physical stores for most of its sales, has suffered massively during lockdown.

JD Sports said a 10-day moratorium would ensure creditors cannot take legal action without permission of the court.

On Monday, the company said it is yet to hire administrators to take on the business.

“The group can confirm that it has considered a number of strategic options for Go and that Go’s directors have lodged the notice in court,” bosses said in a statement.

“This notice creates an immediate moratorium around the company and its property, which lasts for 10 business days.

“During this moratorium, Go’s creditors cannot take legal action or continue with any existing legal proceedings against the company without the court’s permission.”

It added: “Administrators have not yet been appointed and the group will make no further comment at this time.”

Although Go Outdoors has faced serious challenges during the coronavirus crisis, as with many other high street stores, some of its problems pre-dated the pandemic.

It suffered teething issues with a new plan on how to get goods into its stores.

Previously, brands would deliver their products straight to each individual store, but bosses thought they could do better by opening a warehouse in Cheshire in February last year.

However, they were later forced to acknowledge this hit the ability to replenish shops.

JD Sports bought the outfit for £112m in 2016.