Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sports Direct Leuven, open since 2007, will close in January 2026. Store manager Vincent Vanhoutvinck says the closure affects 13 staff and students. A 20% discount is available before departure.
As VRT News reported, the Sports Direct store on Diestsestraat in Leuven is closing. The building’s owner has plans for the property that require the store to move. Store manager Vincent Vanhoutvinck said the company has not found another location in Leuven yet.
“Leaving Leuven was not planned,”
he said.
“Finding a building of this size is very hard. Sports Direct will leave the city temporarily until we find a suitable location.”
What will happen to Sports Direct Leuven as it closes in January 2026?
The store employs 13 permanent staff members and also works with student employees. Officials mentioned that staff have 2 options: leave the company or transfer to another branch. The nearest stores are in Mechelen and Brussels, which are far from many employees. The company stressed that the closure is temporary.
“Students often came here for swimming trunks or socks because they had forgotten them at home.”
Vincent Vanhoutvinck, store manager
Sports Direct will close in January 2026. Store manager Vincent Vanhoutvinck said he is sad to see the store leave.
“We are one of the best-performing stores, perhaps even the top-performing one,”
he said.
He added that the closure is especially hard for students. There were many students at the last moment in the store for swim trunks or socks that they forgot to pack. Over the months leading up to closing, customers could receive a 20% discount on all products.
Sports Direct opened its store on Diestsestraat in Leuven back in 2007. The store quickly became a popular place for residents and students alike to shop for sportswear and equipment. Over the years, it has established a good reputation for selection and service. In January 2021, a massive employee strike nearly shut down all of the Sports Direct stores in Brussels, citing reduced hours, as part of the ongoing situation within the company.
