LLANELLI: Retail giant JD Sports to unveil new mega-store at Parc Trostre this weekend

The move sees the “King of Trainers” relocate from its existing unit to a sprawling new space, promising an “enhanced shopping experience” for local customers.

Opening its doors on Saturday, March 21st, the new store boasts an additional 3,156 sq. ft, giving shoppers even more room to explore the latest trends.

JD Sports, a leading name in sports, fashion, and lifestyle brands, will continue to offer popular labels including Nike, Adidas, Montirex, and New Balance.

The grand opening weekend, running from Saturday, March 21st, to Sunday, March 22nd, will feature exclusive launch activities and the chance to win top prizes.

JD STATUS members can try their luck at the “Roundel Locker game,” selecting a key from a duffle bag to unlock one of six lockboxes containing JD-branded products or gift vouchers.

The arrival of the bigger and better JD Sports store comes amidst a period of significant change and activity at Parc Trostre and the wider Llanelli retail landscape.

Just last month, the retail park saw a “fried chicken frenzy” as Popeyes landed in Llanelli, drawing 14-hour queues of eager customers.

However, the area has also faced challenges, with police being granted extra powers after antisocial behaviour at two Llanelli retail parks earlier this year.

Concerns have also been raised about parking, with new cameras potentially fining Llanelli shoppers £100 for parking too long at other retail sites.

Despite these issues, Parc Trostre continues to attract major retailers, with Mountain Warehouse opening a new Llanelli store recently, and B&M reporting a hit with shoppers on its opening weekend.

This expansion by JD Sports signals continued confidence in Parc Trostre as a key retail destination, further highlighting the shift in shopping habits towards out-of-town retail parks, while Llanelli town centre continues to face significant challenges.

Fried chicken frenzy as Popeyes lands in Llanelli with 14‑hour queue

Llanelli was buzzing long before sunrise on Saturday as Popeyes threw open its doors at Parc Trostre, drawing one of the longest fast‑food queues the town has ever seen. The US fried chicken chain officially opened at 11am — but the first customers had already been waiting for 14 hours.

Among them was Ernie, who turned up at 9pm on Friday armed with determination and an appetite.

“I arrived at 9pm,” he said. “I heard about the giveaways and was really excited to try Popeyes.”

He wasn’t alone for long. Henry, who spotted the opening on Instagram, joined the queue soon after.

“I saw Popeyes in America, so I thought I’d come down to see what it was all about,” he said. “I joined Ernie and we made friends in the queue.”

By the time the shutters lifted, the line stretched across Parc Trostre Retail Park, with fans shrugging off the rain for a taste of the chain’s famous Louisiana‑style chicken.

The Llanelli branch — the fifth Popeyes to open in Wales — sits at Unit 15, just a short walk from the Scarlets’ stadium. It seats 74 diners and has created 81 new jobs locally.

Inside, customers were greeted with the brand’s signature menu: the cult‑favourite Chicken Sandwich, hot wings, tenders and wraps, all made with fresh chicken marinated for 12 hours in Popeyes’ Louisiana seasoning before being hand‑breaded for what the chain calls its “shatter‑crunch”.

Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said the Llanelli launch showed once again how strong the appetite is for the brand in Wales.

“We’re really pleased to have opened our fifth restaurant in Wales,” he said. “Once again, fans in Wales have shown us how much love there is for Popeyes, and the Llanelli opening marks another exciting step in our growth journey. As always, the energy was amazing, and it’s a great feeling to bring the spirit of New Orleans to Llanelli.”

The opening follows recent launches in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, with the chain rapidly expanding across the UK.

For Ernie and Henry — and the hundreds who queued behind them — the wait was all part of the fun.

“It was worth it,” Henry said. “And we made friends along the way.”

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Popeyes confirms Llanelli opening date – with free chicken for the first 100 customers

The US fried chicken brand announced the opening date today, confirming the new restaurant will launch at 11am at Parc Trostre Retail Park. Popeyes said the Llanelli site will be its fifth Welsh restaurant following openings in Swansea, Cardiff and Newport.

To mark what the company describes as its “first Welsh opening of 2026”, Popeyes says it will offer a series of giveaways on launch day. According to the chain, the first three people in the queue will receive free Deluxe Chicken Sandwiches for a year. The first 50 customers will receive branded merchandise, and the first 100 will be given a free Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.

Popeyes said the queue will officially open at 9am. The company pointed to its Swansea launch last autumn, where it claims some customers queued for 18 hours to be among the first through the door.

The chain says the Llanelli menu will include its signature Chicken Sandwich, wraps, hot wings and tenders, all made with fresh chicken marinated for 12 hours in its Louisiana seasoning blend and hand‑breaded for what it calls its “shatter‑crunch”. Sides will include Mac & Cheese, gravy and smoky beans.

Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer Tom Crowley said:

“The excitement from Welsh fans never disappoints. Last autumn, our Swansea opening saw 18‑hour queues, following other successful launches in Cardiff and Newport. Opening our fifth restaurant in Wales is another key step in our growth journey, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Llanelli diners on the 7th February.”

The company says the new restaurant will seat 74 people and create 81 jobs locally. It will open in Unit 15 at Parc Trostre, replacing the former Pizza Hut site.

The Llanelli launch follows months of anticipation after Swansea Bay News first reported the chain’s plans for the town and its wider South Wales expansion.

Popeyes will hold a preview evening on 6 February, with the company inviting media and local guests to sample the menu ahead of opening day.

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Police granted extra powers after antisocial behaviour at two Llanelli retail parks

A dispersal order has been authorised for Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton, giving officers the ability to remove anyone causing — or likely to cause — harassment, alarm or distress. The order came into force at 12pm today (17 January) and will remain in place until 12am on Monday 19 January.

Crackdown follows rise in trouble around shops and fast‑food outlets

The move follows a rise in reports of groups causing trouble around major stores and fast‑food outlets, including Tesco, Morrisons and McDonald’s. Police say the behaviour has escalated in recent days, prompting the need for tougher measures to protect shoppers and staff.

Under the order, officers can instruct people to leave the area immediately and can seize any property suspected of being used to cause antisocial behaviour. Anyone who refuses to comply risks arrest.

Police: ‘We will not tolerate this behaviour’

A Dyfed‑Powys Police spokesperson said:

“We have seen an increase in antisocial behaviour around the Trostre and Pemberton retail parks over the past week.

“The dispersal order gives officers additional powers to deal swiftly with anyone causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.

“We will not tolerate behaviour that impacts businesses, staff or members of the public.”

Shoppers say behaviour has become ‘shocking’

Regular visitors to the retail parks say the situation has been deteriorating for weeks.

Mandy Tucker said the behaviour around McDonald’s had become “beyond” acceptable, adding that the abuse aimed at security staff was “totally unacceptable”.

Rita Coughlin, who was shopping with her two children, described being struck by toilet paper thrown by a group of boys inside Tesco.

“It was quite a shock and if it wasn’t me they hit it could’ve been worse,” she said. “What these youngsters do nowadays near Tesco and McDonald’s is shocking.”

Nadine Cole Jenkins, who uses a wheelchair, said the atmosphere had become frightening.

“It’s very scary for myself and my children who support me. It’s not nice — very upsetting.”

Others reported disruption inside shops.

Sian Peel said staff in B&M were being left to deal with “shocking” behaviour.

“They hang around by the entrance on their bikes and the language is shocking. They are in and out of the store causing disruption.”

Louise Richards said staff at McDonald’s looked “deflated” after dealing with large groups causing trouble.

“The parents of those kids should be utterly ashamed.”

Jo Jo added that many parents would be “shocked” if they saw how their children were behaving.

Order covers key shopping hotspots

The dispersal zone includes:

• Parc Trostre Retail Park
• Tesco, Trostre
• McDonald’s, Llanelli
• Parc Pemberton
• Morrisons, Llanelli
• Premier Inn, Llandafen Road

Police are urging anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour to report it via the force website, by emailing 101@dyfed‑powys.police.uk or calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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Fried chicken frenzy: Popeyes to open at Parc Trostre after Pizza Hut closure

From queues in Swansea to Parc Trostre

The US fried chicken giant has already made waves in Wales, with fans in Swansea queuing for a staggering 18 hours when the doors opened this autumn. Now, Llanelli residents will get their own taste of the legendary Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich, alongside tenders, wraps and biscuits with Cajun gravy.

The new restaurant will be based at Unit 15 Parc Trostre, just a stone’s throw from the Scarlets’ stadium, and marks the brand’s fifth Welsh opening after Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff Bay, Newport and Swansea.

A taste of New Orleans

Each piece of Popeyes® chicken is marinated for 12 hours in Louisiana herbs and spices, then hand‑breaded and battered to deliver the chain’s trademark “shatter crunch.”

The menu will also feature Popeyes® Tenders, Signature Wraps and the full range of sides, with dine‑in and takeaway options available.

“Excited to bring the spirit of New Orleans”

Tom Crowley, Popeyes® UK Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The response to our Welsh openings has always been fantastic, and we’re now excited to bring the spirit of New Orleans to Llanelli. Opening our fifth Welsh restaurant marks another big step in our growth journey, and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests to Popeyes in Trostre Park very soon.”

From Pizza Hut to Popeyes

The move comes after the closure of Llanelli’s Pizza Hut branch earlier this year, when the franchisee entered administration. Popeyes® will now breathe new life into the unit, promising jobs and a fresh draw for Parc Trostre shoppers.

What locals can expect

If Swansea’s opening is anything to go by, queues are likely to snake around Parc Trostre as fried chicken fans race to be first through the doors. The arrival of Popeyes® is also expected to bring a jobs boost, with the chain’s UK expansion creating thousands of new roles nationwide and Llanelli set to benefit.

The menu will cater to a wide range of customers, with all Popeyes® chicken certified halal. That inclusivity, combined with the brand’s trademark crunch, is likely to make it a hit across communities. And for those who serve, Popeyes® is offering a 10% discount to Blue Light Card and Defence Discount Service holders — a nod of thanks to frontline workers.

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Llanelli retail staff report high levels of abuse as campaign calls for stronger protections

Retail staff in Llanelli say they continue to face unacceptable levels of verbal abuse, threats and physical assault while doing their jobs — prompting renewed calls for public respect and tougher enforcement.

The Freedom from Fear campaign, led by trade union Usdaw, was marked at Tesco Trostre with a visit from Dame Nia Griffith MP, alongside Lee Waters MS, Cllr Dot Jones and other local representatives. The event aimed to raise awareness of the abuse faced by shop workers and encourage the public to “keep your cool” in the run-up to Christmas.

Survey shows 71% of retail staff verbally abused

Interim results from Usdaw’s 2025 survey — based on responses from over 3,000 retail workers — show that:

• 71% have experienced verbal abuse in the past year
• 48% were threatened by a customer
• 9% were assaulted

Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said the figures show a “slight downturn” compared to previous years, but warned that the scale of abuse remains “shocking”.

“Nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers,” she said. “Far too many are experiencing threats and violence. Our members are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”

Local voices call for change

Dame Nia Griffith MP said retail workers “deserve to be treated with respect” and backed Usdaw’s call for stronger legal protections.

“We’re introducing a new standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker,” she said. “That gives shop staff the protection they need and sends a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.”

She also pointed to Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill, which removes the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifting and introduces new powers to ban repeat offenders.

Campaigners urge public to ‘respect shop workers’

Usdaw activists say incidents tend to rise in December as shops get busier and customer frustration grows. The union is encouraging staff to report abuse and reject the idea that it’s “part of the job”.

The Freedom from Fear campaign continues throughout the year, with workplace and community events planned across South Wales.

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Llanelli Pizza Hut confirmed among closures as franchisee enters administration

Pizza Hut has confirmed that its Llanelli branch will close after the franchisee operating its UK dine‑in restaurants entered administration, putting more than 1,200 jobs at risk across the country.

Llanelli closure confirmed

The Parc Trostre site is one of 68 restaurants named for closure following the collapse of DC London Pie Limited, the company which ran Pizza Hut’s UK dine‑in operations under franchise. Eleven delivery outlets will also shut.

The news follows Swansea Bay News’ earlier report highlighting uncertainty over the future of South West Wales branches after administrators were appointed on Monday.

National picture

In total, 1,210 staff will be made redundant, while 64 restaurants and around 1,277 jobs have been saved after global brand owner Yum! Brands stepped in with a pre‑pack administration deal.

Administrators FTI Consulting said the business had been hit by “challenging trading conditions and increased costs”, with cashflow pressures linked to tax obligations.

Pizza Hut UK statement

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut UK stressed that the administration affects only one franchisee, not the wider UK business:

“Pizza Hut UK announces the acquisition of the Pizza Hut dine‑in operations through a pre‑packaged administration, after FTI was announced today as administrators of DC London Pie Limited, a franchisee of Pizza Hut. We are pleased to secure the continuation of 64 sites to safeguard our guest experience and protect the associated jobs. Approximately 1,277 team member roles will be saved under UK TUPE legislation, including above‑restaurant leaders and support teams.”

Nicolas Burquier, Managing Director International Operating Markets, added:

“This targeted acquisition aims to safeguard our guest experience and protect jobs where possible. Our immediate priority is operational continuity at the acquired locations and supporting colleagues through the transition.”

Wider context

The Sun reported that DC London Pie had only taken over Pizza Hut’s UK restaurants in January, after the collapse of previous owner Heart with Smart Limited. The company was recently served with a winding‑up petition by HMRC over unpaid tax.

At its peak, Pizza Hut operated more than 260 restaurants in the UK. The brand has faced repeated financial challenges in recent years, including a Company Voluntary Arrangement during the pandemic which saw 29 sites close.

Gift card warning

Consumer experts have warned that Pizza Hut gift cards may be affected by the closures, as they are valid only in dine‑in restaurants. Customers are advised to use them quickly or contact the company to see if they can be transferred to delivery.

Hospitality sector pressures

The closures come amid wider turbulence in the UK casual dining sector. Chains including Byron Burger, Frankie & Benny’s, Prezzo and Chiquito have all shut sites in recent years.

By contrast, US fast‑food brands are expanding rapidly. Popeyes, which drew 18‑hour queues when it opened in Swansea earlier this month, plans to open 45 new UK restaurants this year. Carl’s Jr also launched its first Welsh restaurant on Wind Street in September as part of its UK expansion.

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South West Wales Pizza Hut branches face uncertainty as chain enters administration

The company confirmed that 68 restaurants will close after its franchisee DC London Pie Limited went into administration. A rescue deal by parent company Yum! Brands has secured 64 sites and saved around 1,277 jobs, but the future of the remaining branches is unclear.

Locally, Pizza Hut operates dine‑in restaurants at Llanelli’s Trostre retail park, Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend, as well as a takeaway‑only site in Swansea. The chain has not yet confirmed which of these will be affected.

The closures put more than 740 jobs nationwide at risk. Administrators FTI Consulting said their priority was to support staff and maintain continuity at the restaurants included in the rescue deal.

The move comes less than a year after the same franchisee bought the UK dine‑in business out of insolvency.

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River Island rescue plan puts Swansea and Llanelli stores under pressure

River Island has warned it could run out of money by the end of August unless landlords and creditors back a rescue plan that includes the closure of 33 stores and steep rent reductions across 71 more. The high street fashion retailer says it needs £10 million in funding by early September to avoid insolvency — a figure that could rise to £50 million by year-end if the plan fails.

While no stores in South West Wales have been named on the initial closure list, several key locations in the region are part of River Island’s wider rent reduction strategy. The retailer currently operates stores at Oxford Street and Morfa Shopping Park in Swansea, and at Parc Trostre Retail Park in Llanelli — all of which remain open and trading.

The Morfa branch was relaunched in 2022 as a flagship concept store, featuring upgraded interiors and a new layout designed to reflect changing shopper habits and boost in-store experience. At the time, River Island said the investment was part of a broader transformation strategy aimed at modernising its retail footprint.

What’s driving the crisis?

River Island blames its financial troubles on a “sharp rise in the cost of doing business” and the shift to online shopping, which has left it with a store portfolio “no longer aligned to customer needs.” The company swung to a £33.2 million loss in 2023, with sales down 19% to £578.1 million.

The restructuring plan — drawn up by advisers at PwC — will be voted on by creditors next month and then presented to the High Court for approval. If successful, it will unlock a £40 million emergency loan from the Lewis family, who founded and still control the business.

River Island employs around 5,500 people and operates 223 stores across the UK and Ireland. The company insists that all stores and its website remain open and trading as usual while the plan is under consideration.

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Fforestfach man jailed after sending sexual messages to what he thought was a 14-year-old girl

34-year-old Guy Brigdale, sent the messages in January when he tried to arrange a meeting with the girl at Llanelli’s Parc Trostre for oral sex.

The ‘girl’ was in fact a decoy from a paedophile hunters group, and when Grigdale failed to show up at the meeting place, they tracked him down near to the River Loughor.

In an attempt to escape the group, Brigdale swam across the river, but was later arrested after being found hiding in a ditch.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Brigdale had 13 previous convictions for 20 offences, including being jailed for three years and put on the sex-offenders register for life in 2017 after contacting a young girl on Facebook and trying to get her to send him sexually explicit photographs. 

Brigdale pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause/incite a girl aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a child aged 13-15 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity, attempting to meet a child under the age of 16 following grooming and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Judge Catherine Richards said Brigdale was a dangerous offender who posed a significant risk of committing further offences. For the combined offences, Brigdale has been handed an extended 12-year sentence. He will remain on the sex-offenders register for life.

Detective Sergeant Samuel Stanway from South Wales Police said: “The messages sent by Guy Brigdale, to an individual he believed was a child, were abhorrent.

“There is no place for anyone who willingly engages in sexual communication with a child in our society. It is very fortunate that this wasn’t a real child involved in the conversation, as they could have been posed a great danger by someone like Guy Brigdale.

“The right place for him is prison, as is highlighted by this lengthy sentence.”

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