UK chains rapped over 'misleading' closing down sales

Three retail chains owned by tycoon Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct business were today rapped for enticing customers into stores with a closing down sale – only for the shops to carry on trading.

Three British retail chains owned by tycoon Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct business were today rapped for enticing customers into stores with a closing down sale – only for the shops to carry on trading.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said a number of stores branded Sportsdirect.com, Hargreaves (Sports) and Gilesports ran the promotions for several months. They are part of Sports Direct International, which is majority owned by Newcastle United owner Mr Ashley.