Bentley Bridge Sports Direct opens day before high street lockdown lifted

Shoppers queued outside a Sports Direct store in the Black Country after it opened a day earlier than the rest of the high street today.

Queues outside Sports Direct at Bentley Bridge which was open to NHS staff on Sunday

The branch at Bentley Bridge Retail Park in Wednesfield was one of several Sports Direct shops that reopened across the country on Sunday despite all non-essential shops still being banned from opening by the Government.

The store was only open for NHS staff and not any other emergency services or key workers.

It is not yet clear why the chain was allowed to open the day before the Government's restrictions retail lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The Sports Direct website does not mention any plan to reopen today, instead saying "we are looking forward to welcoming you back instore from Monday".

Its social media channels have been promoting a "50 per cent off everything" sale for NHS workers on Monday, although the promotion says the saving will not be allowed to be used on items already included in other discount offers.

Shoppers were staying socially distanced while queueing at Bentley Bridge today, where "closing down" posters have been put up in the shop windows.

Signs said the branch will close in July next to large posters advertising that all stock is reduced in a closing-down sale.

Michelle Faulkner from Bushbury, with children Dylan, aged 17 and Daisy, aged 14, outside Sports Direct

It comes three months after owner Mike Ashley faced fierce criticism from MPs after he tried to claim the chain was an "essential" operator.

Mr Ashley argued the store was needed to keep the nation fit as lockdown restrictions led to non-essential shops closing.

The businessman later performed a U-turn and closed his stores, apologising for "ill-judged and poorly timed" emails to the Government and poor communication with employees.

Closing down signs have been put in place at Bentley Bridge

Government lockdown laws say all retail stores must stay closed to the public, aside from those specifically exempt, until Monday.

Sports and clothing stores are not included in the exemptions but bicycle shops are.

Mr Ashley was also criticised when bosses at Frasers Group, which includes Sports Direct, House of Fraser and Evans Cycles, asked staff to make "personal sacrifices" with regards to their pay.

He later confirmed that all staff, including those on furlough, would receive their expected full salaries.

Sports Direct has been contacted for comment.