Sports Direct antidote to 'declining' high street

Strand takeover plans - but firm slated in UK report

It's hoped a major UK retailer's investment in the capital's main shopping mall will reverse the fortunes of a 'declining' high street.

Sports Direct has bought the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas, with plans for a new store and regeneration of the complex in the coming months.

The multi-billion pound company has come under fire over 'unethical' working conditions, pay and zero-hour contracts with a report today (Fri) which heavily criticises working conditions at Sports Direct, saying staff are treated as "commodities" rather than human beings.

The Business Committee in the UK says it's seen a "disturbing picture" of practices at the retail giant, and company founder Mike Ashley has been told he must be held accountable after issues were uncovered at a depot in Derbyshire.

Strand Centre general manager Louise Wyman is hopeful the brand's presence will still be a boost for the Island's capital: