The owners of a family-run sports apparel store say they’re being “pushed out” of White Oaks Mall.

After 25 years in business at the south London mall, Logo Sports management says mall management is replacing the store with a franchise offering the same products.

Logo sells sports clothing, hats and other athletic souvenirs.

In December, the store learned mall management wouldn’t renew its lease that expires March 31, said Pat Smith, who runs Logo with her husband, Peter.

When Smith asked management if there was any other vacant space available, she said she was told there was only room for one sports apparel shop in the mall.

“Definitely, we’re being pushed out. We don’t want to leave after 25 years of loyalty,” Smith said.

White Oaks manager Jeff Wilson confirmed Logo’s lease isn’t being renewed but wouldn’t go into detail.

Citing a confidentiality agreement, Wilson wouldn’t say whether a competing franchise is replacing Logo.

“There is a tenant lined up for the space, but we wait for them to make their announcement on things.

“We look to get the best stores. So some of the best stores are independent, some of the best stores are chains.”

News of Logo’s pending closing has come as a shock to its legion of loyal customers, many of whom come from outside London, Smith said.

“They are as shocked as we are . . . and are interested to know if we’re reopening.”

The store’s future remains up in the air. Masonville Place is full and Westmount Shopping Centre doesn’t have enough traffic, Smith said.

Six employees will be out of work when Logo closes March 30. The store is selling off its stockpile of merchandise.

dale.carruthers@sunmedia.ca

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