JD Sports is closing the last two physical stores of its Hip brand, as it continues to sharpen its focus on bigger and more profitable locations.
The Hip store on Thomas Street in Manchester closed on 28 June, while the Leeds branch on Vicar Lane is expected to shut before the end of the month.
The decision will remove Hip from bricks-and-mortar retail, although the brand will continue to trade online through its website.
Hip was founded in Leeds in 1987 as an independent menswear store, before being acquired by JD Sports Fashion in 2014. It is known for premium streetwear and sportswear labels including Carhartt, Salomon and Stone Island.
JD Sports is continuing to review its store estate under its “fewer, bigger, better” strategy.
The group closed 24 UK stores on a net basis during its last financial year, as it battled a tougher consumer backdrop and weaker trading in its home market.
JD Sports reported in May that UK organic sales fell 2.5 per cent, while like-for-like sales dropped 3.9 per cent. It also warned that geopolitical uncertainty and higher operating costs could weigh on profits, with pre-tax profit guidance for the year ahead set at between £750 million and £850 million.
It has also been reshaping its wider business overseas. In North America, JD Sports is planning to close around 175 underperforming Hibbett stores over the next three years after acquiring the US chain in 2024.
JD Sports chief executive Régis Schultz said at the time that the group remained confident in its medium-term prospects, supported by its brand partnerships and multi-brand model.
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