Some stores to close in deal
Gallagher’s Pretty Green chain acquired by JD Sports
Liam Gallagher: launched chain in 2009
Menswear fashion chain Pretty Green, founded by former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, has been acquired by JD Sports after falling into administration last week.
Gallagher launched Pretty Green, selling premium-priced parka jackets and polo shirts, in 2009 but has been loss-making.
JD Sports will retain Pretty Green’s flagship store in Manchester, as well as its online and wholesale business, securing 72 jobs. However, 95 jobs will be lost with the closure of 11 shops together with 33 concessions in House Of Fraser department stores. Pretty Green was owed more than £500,000 when House Of Fraser fell into administration last year.
JD Sports has emerged as one of the troubled retail sector’s winners and consolidators. It owns Black’s Leisure and Tiso, the Scotland-based outdoor clothing company. The latest deal comes just weeks after it bought struggling shoe retailer Footasylum for £90 million.
Peter Cowgill,chairman of JD Sports, said he was “pleased to have completed the acquisition of the highly regarded Pretty Green brand”.
