JD Sports Quietly Closed 61 Hibbett Stores Last Year. Another 175 Are on the Chopping Block

Why It Matters

The closures trim costs and sharpen JD’s North American brand focus, protecting margins as the sports‑apparel market slows.

Key Takeaways

• JD closed 61 Hibbett stores in FY2026, 44 new openings.
• £28 million ($36 million) impairment recorded for Hibbett closures.
• 175 additional Hibbett stores slated for closure over three years.
• FY2026 net sales hit £12.7 bn ($16.3 bn), up 10.5%.
• Profit before tax fell to £852 m ($1.09 bn), down 7.7%.

Pulse Analysis

JD Sports’ 2024 acquisition of Alabama‑based Hibbett gave the UK group a foothold in the fragmented U.S. sporting‑goods market, but integrating a legacy banner has proved costly. The recent 61‑store shutdown reflects a broader industry shift toward rationalising store footprints, especially for retailers with overlapping formats. By targeting low‑volume, remote locations, JD aims to concentrate inventory and marketing spend on larger, higher‑traffic sites that can better support its multi‑brand strategy and omnichannel initiatives.

Financially, the £28 million ($36 million) impairment underscores the price of rapid portfolio reshaping. While FY2026 net sales climbed to £12.7 bn ($16.3 bn), profit before tax fell to £852 million ($1.09 bn), a 7.7% dip driven by restructuring costs and softer footwear demand. Compared with peers such as Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods, JD’s revenue growth outpaces the sector, yet its margin pressure highlights the challenge of balancing expansion with cost discipline in a market where consumer spending remains cautious.

Looking ahead, the announced plan to shutter an additional 175 Hibbett stores over three years signals a decisive pivot toward larger, more productive locations. This move should improve sales per square foot and free capital for digital investments, aligning JD with the industry’s push toward experiential retail and integrated e‑commerce. If executed well, the streamlined footprint could bolster JD’s competitive edge in North America, but the company must manage the transition carefully to avoid alienating customers in the communities losing their local stores.