// Jack Wills shutters another 17 stores

// Since Frasers Group acquired Jack Wills in late 2019, 50 stores have permanently closed

Jack Wills will have a further 17 of its stores close permanently, bringing the total number of store closures in the last week to 31.

Frasers Group announced the decision to shutter the stores on Thursday.

The group, owned by Mike Ashley, had rescued the British retailer out of administration last year.

READ MORE: Jack Wills announces another 9 stores to permanently close

“The group has been working closely with landlords since acquiring Jack Wills to save as many stores – and livelihoods – as possible,” a Jack Wills spokesperson said.

“Now faced by unprecedented uncertainty in the retail environment, these closures are inevitable, unless landlords are willing to come forward quickly and finally have meaningful discussions.”

An earlier tranche of store closures took place in January, when six sites were identified after rent negotiations with landlords had failed.

Prior to that, 13 stores had shut down around the time of Frasers Group’s acquisition.

Just last week, Frasers Group announced that it was set to close nine Jack Wills stores located in Abersock, Aldeburgh, St Andrews, Dartmouth, Harrogate, St Ives, Lincoln, Rushden Lakes and Southwold.

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