JD Sports taking over Shrewsbury’s town centre Monsoon store

Monsoon has had a presence in the Darwin Centre for more than a decade but closed its doors for a final time last weekend. The chain will however keep its Accessorize outlet open on Pride Hill.

JD Sports will be moving in to the vacant store and will open just before Christmas.

Kevin Lockwood, Shrewsbury Shopping Centres manager, said: “Monsoon have closed their store in the Darwin Centre this month, but we’re delighted to confirm that JD Sports has agreed to take over the unit currently occupied by Monsoon.

“Monsoon have enjoyed a long history in Shrewsbury and I know they would like to thank their very loyal customer base for their support throughout the years.

"We’re pleased that their sister brand Accessorize will continue to trade from a prominent location on Pride Hill, showing that the business remains committed to Shrewsbury.

“JD Sports, a national retailer that appeals to people of all ages, represents a major coup for the Darwin Centre and Shrewsbury.

"We’re very excited to confirm that the new store will open ahead of the busy Christmas trading period and confident that it will attract large numbers of people to both the centre and to the town. We wish them every success.”

Brand

He added that while there were a couple of 'excellent' independent specialist sports shops in the town, the news that a major national brand planned to move in to the town was an indicator of the company's confidence in Shrewsbury.

"It is great that a national brand is coming to Shrewsbury town centre rather than going to Meole Brace Retail Park," he said.

"It is a real positive for the town centre. Monsoon had been planning their closure for the last couple of months and we have worked closely with them. But you never know they may move back at some point in the future."

It is unknown how many jobs will be created with the opening of the new sports retailer.