Sports Direct and USC on the way to Chorley town centre

The well-known brands, both part of Mike Ashley's Frasers Group PLC, have agreed to take occupancy of two units in the new Market Walk extension.

The store is expected to open this winter.

Coun Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, said: “We’re excited to welcome Sports Direct and USC to Chorley and look forward to the store's opening before the end of the year.

“Their addition will be another boost for our town centre. People have said they’d like to see more clothes shops in Chorley, and this will help provide this offer.

“Big brand names like this combined with our existing traders will attract people to Chorley town centre instead shopping out of town.”

Sports Direct and USC will join M&S Foodhall, Reel Cinema and Escape Entertainment venue who all opened their doors at the end of 2019, along with the Calico Lounge which opened earlier in January 2020.

The brands will move into the two units next to M&S Foodhall, meaning that the new Chorley development is approaching 85 per cent occupancy.

With another restaurant group in advanced negotiations for a further unit, the new development is still attracting plenty of interest even in the current climate.

A spokesperson for Frasers Group said: “This is a major part of Sports Direct’s brand elevation strategy that will see a huge investment in a number of new stores, while upgrading and improving existing ones across the UK.

"This is the strategic vision of the business as it aims to meet the demands of an ever more sophisticated consumer who is increasingly looking for an unrivalled choice of brands and an enhanced shopping experience.”

The store will also include a USC streetwear and fashion store. USC will offer trend focused customers a selection of the season’s premium branded denim, urban fashion, accessories and footwear.

Its more well-known sister brand, Sports Direct, provides a one stop shop for branded sportswear.