Leuven – Sports Direct Leuven, which has operated since 2007, will close its doors in January 2026, impacting 13 staff and student employees, reports 24brussels.
The closure of the Sports Direct store on Diestsestraat follows plans by the building’s owner that necessitate the relocation of the store. Store manager Vincent Vanhoutvinck indicated that no alternative location within Leuven has yet been secured.
“Leaving Leuven was not planned,”
he stated.
“Finding a building of this size is very hard. Sports Direct will leave the city temporarily until we find a suitable location.”
Impact of the Closure on Staff and Shoppers
The closure will affect 13 permanent employees as well as student workers. Company officials have outlined two options for the staff: either to exit the company or transfer to another branch. The nearest alternatives are located in Mechelen and Brussels, posing challenges for those without easy access to transportation. Nonetheless, the company has emphasized that the closure is intended to be temporary.
“Students often came here for swimming trunks or socks because they had forgotten them at home.”
Vincent Vanhoutvinck, store manager, expressed regret about the impending closure.
“We are one of the best-performing stores, perhaps even the top-performing one,”
Vanhoutvinck asserted.
The closure is especially poignant for the student demographic that frequented the store for last-minute purchases. Starting from now until the closure, all products will be available at a 20% discount.
Since its establishment in 2007, the Sports Direct store on Diestsestraat has garnered a loyal customer base among both local residents and students. It has built a strong reputation for its selection and customer service. In January 2021, the chain faced significant challenges when a large-scale employee strike affected its operations in Brussels, highlighting ongoing labor issues within the company.