Owner JD Sports has filed for court protection for the subsidiary to keep creditors at bay as it mulls over what to do with the business, following reports at the weekend that it was teetering on the brink of collapse.
The camping and hiking specialist’s owner, which has 67 stores across the UK – including at their large centre at the retail park in Tonbridge – employs around 2,400 people .
The store sells waterproof clothing, tents and other camping equipment.
It has suffered hugely during lockdown as all of its stores were forced to close.
On Monday [June 22], JD Sports said it is yet to hire administrators to take on the business.
“The group can confirm that it has considered a number of strategic options for Go, and that Go’s directors have lodged the notice in court,” bosses said in a statement.
“This notice creates an immediate moratorium around the company and its property, which lasts for 10 business days.
“During this moratorium, Go’s creditors cannot take legal action or continue with any existing legal proceedings against the company without the court’s permission.”
It added: “Administrators have not yet been appointed and the group will make no further comment at this time.”
Although Go Outdoors has faced serious challenges during the coronavirus crisis, some of its problems pre-date the pandemic.
It faced teething troubles with a new plan on how to get goods into its stores. In the past, brands would deliver their products straight to each individual store.
JD Sports bought the outfit for £112 million in 2016.
