Nine Republic shops bought

Nine Republic stores – including two in the Lothians at the St James Centre and Livingston – have been bought by Sports Direct following the collapse of the fashion chain.

Administrators Ernst & Young said the move would safeguard 130 jobs north of the Border.

Earlier in the week it was announced that five stores in Scotland would be closed at the cost of 97 jobs. There is no reprieve for Republic’s Ford Kinnaird outlet which is not included in the sale.

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