While some people are grateful for the building being “saved”, others aren’t as keen
Sports Direct on Church Street, Liverpool.
Shoppers have been left divided over the future of a historic Liverpool building. Sports Direct is set to bid farewell to its longstanding home in the city centre in a few weeks’ time.
The Liverpool ONE shop was one of the first companies to open inside the complex, when it started welcoming customers through its doors back in 2008. It is currently having a closing sale, with discounts off most items and popular brands including Nike, Adidas, PUMA, and New Balance.
Yellow signs in the windows of the North John Street venue previously confirmed the store’s closure. The ECHO understands that Liverpool ONE’s Sports Direct’s last day of trading is Monday, Thursday 16. The brand will then move to its new home on Church Street, where it will be found alongside a host of other brands owned by parent company Frasers Group.
The new shop, found in the former M&S building, Compton House, on Church Street, will open on Friday, October 17, with posters having officially gone in the windows, teasing “opening soon”.
Sports Direct in Liverpool One(Image: Christopher Megrath)
However, it seems not all shoppers are excited about the new venture, particularly now that a sign has gone up.
On top of the building a branded Sports Direct logo has now been placed underneath the Greek-god inspired statues on the historic building. The Liverpool ECHO reached out to the Sports Direct for a comment about the sign.
A photo of the sign was shared online, with locals quickly giving their opinion. Billy Riley said: “At least it’s in keeping with the building”, whereas David George added: “If it wasn’t for Sports Direct that gorgeous building would have gone to rack and ruin and ended getting pulled down.”
Jordan Green said: “I think they are just following M&S by adding a sign. There use to be one there beforehand for M&S.” Jordan Berrington added: “At least it’s occupied now and having spent years and probably millions on renovations, they will more than likely stay for a while”.
Sports Direct on Church Street with its new sign
Others in the comment section weren’t as keen. Karen said: “It’s shocking, there is no need to put a sign up there.” David Whittle wrote: “Sold its soul”, and the original poster of the photo said: “They are taking the p*** now. Sports Direct take it down you are spoiling the old Marks building.”
The last few weeks has seen Everlast crew members standing outside the store promoting the new on-site gym. The team has been asking the public to join in on challenges to win discounted memberships.
Last year Frasers Group, which owns House of Fraser, Jack Wills and many other retail brands, purchased Compton House on Church Street, where it plans to relocate the Sports Direct store.
The new Sports Direct store on Church Street(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
M&S left Compton House in August 2023 after 95 years in the Grade-II listed building for a new home in the former Debenhams store in Liverpool ONE.
A the time, James France, Frasers Group’s head of acquisitions, said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have acquired Compton House located on Liverpool’s renowned Church Street.
“We are big believers in physical retail and this acquisition marks an exciting time for the group as we continue to expand our store portfolio across the UK and Europe.
“As the UK’s leading destination for sportswear, we are looking forward to bringing Liverpool customers a next-generation sports retail experience with the opening of a 70,000 sqft Sports Direct flagship store featuring the world’s biggest sports brands. Subject to approval, Everlast Gyms will also open a 23,000 sqft hybrid gym in the space.”