Wolves reveal plans to close city centre superstore

The club said the shop, in Dudley Street, will shut in June when its lease ends.

The move towards online sales and 'uncertainty within retail sector' have been cited as among reasons for the decision.

Discussions are being held with shop staff over other roles within Wolves' retail department, either in the Molineux megastore or with the online operation.

There will be an increase in staffing levels at the club's main store at Molineux - the busier of the two outlets - in the wake of the closure.

Officials say options are being considered to help those fans who purchase matchday tickets from the club shop.

The move will be seen as a blow to the city centre following the loss of high street retailers such as BHS in recent months.

However work is under way to revamp the city's Mander Centre anchored by a new Debenhams store to entice shoppers into Wolverhampton.

Wolves say officials will continue to explore 'alternative retail options in the future'.

In a statement today, the club said: "With the expiry of Wolves' Dudley Street superstore lease imminent, the club have today announced that they have decided not to renew the lease and instead increase the staffing levels in the retail department's online operation and the Molineux Megastore.

"The decision, which was unanimously agreed at a recent Board meeting, comes at a time when there is significant investment being made in Wolves' digital platform to ensure fans have the convenient means with which to transact with the club on all levels, be it to purchase merchandise or club products.

"The purchase of match tickets can still be done via the usual methods, online and at the club's main Molineux ticket office.

"To service fans who have traditionally bought their tickets from the city centre store location, other viable solutions are being considered and will be communicated in due course.

"All staff based at the Dudley Street store have been informed of the situation, and every effort is being taken to ensure they are all given fresh opportunities within Wolves' retail department, either in the Molineux Megastore or with the online operation.

"In recent years, more and more of the club's retail sales have taken place online, in keeping with modern trends and the general decline of High Street shopping, which has seen many other retailers recently reviewing their High Street presence in recent years.

"With the lease on the shop in Dudley Street due to expire at the end of June, and with the only option available to renew on a ten year basis, amid such uncertainty within the retail sector, it has been decided to take this course of action.

"Wolves will instead focus entirely on the Molineux Megastore – the busier of the two stories – in terms of a retail presence, and commit to ensuring that supporters using the Megastore or purchasing online receive the best possible service, with the club's new website due for launch during June, 2017.

"It should however be stressed that this doesn't preclude the club exploring alternative retail options in the future."