NEW plans have been revealed this month for Sports Direct to open a brand-new store in a Somerset town.
A planning application (reference 3/21/26/034) has been submitted to Somerset Council seeking permission to install Sports Direct signage at the former Original Factory Shop site on Mart Road, Minehead.
If approved, it will allow Sports Direct to set up to 10 signs and two poster boards.
Drawings have already been submitted via the Somerset Council planning portal website, showing existing and proposed elevations for the site.
Sports Direct plans to open in Somerset town very soon
Not only have these applications been submitted, but there is also an active job listing seeking a new store manager for a Sports Direct store on Mart Road in Minehead.
The job role has been posted via several sites, including Indeed. The role reads 'Supervisor - New Store Opening' in Minehead, Somerset and has a basic salary rate starting from £25,160.00 per annum.
The big-name sports brand, a part of Frasers Group, is the largest sporting goods retailer in the UK, known for selling sports equipment, clothing, footwear, and accessories at heavily discounted prices. Founded in 1982 by Mike Ashley, the retailer is renowned for stocking major global brands like Nike and Adidas.
Sports Direct currently operates from five locations across Somerset - with stores at Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil, Bridgwater and Street. The biggest Sports Direct in the UK is the Liverpool flagship store, located on Church Street. This massive location spans 90,000 square feet across three storeys and features a dedicated running concept, major brand partner zones, and an Everlast gym
There are currently no plans to make any modifications to the exterior of the former Minehead Original Factory store, which closed in March this year.
Signs offering up to 50 per cent off the original prices of products appeared at the store at the start of 2026, with the loss of the shop deemed 'very sad' for Minehead, as customers took to social media to share their concerns.
One customer, Joanne Christmas, said: "Feel sorry for the staff, they are all so lovely, friendly and helpful. Good luck to you all. Let's hope someone opens a new business and takes you all on."
Another customer, Paul Davies, added: "Great shame. Used to shop there regularly.
"Lets hope that the site is taken over by a similar company and that the staff can be re-employed."
Share