JD Sports has significantly expanded its presence at the Bullring & Grand Central, unveiling an enlarged store that more than doubles its previous size. This expansion at the prominent shopping destination is a clear indication of the ongoing allure of the Bullring and aligns with Hammerson’s broader strategy of enhancing its properties with distinguished brands and unique concepts to captivate and engage shoppers.
The new 27,500 square feet JD store, marking the brand’s largest UK opening in the current year, showcases JD’s signature design elements, featuring a striking combination of black and yellow. This design choice creates a visually appealing entrance, leading customers to a comprehensive assortment of globally renowned brands. The store houses dedicated sections for major labels such as Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, The North Face, and Berghaus, offering a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories.
JD’s upscaling at Bullring & Grand Central is part of a trend of major retailers investing in the site. Recent additions include Nike Rise, Bershka, Pull&Bear, and Watches of Switzerland. These are complemented by a newly opened M&S store focusing on food offerings. Adding to the retail mix are innovative entertainment and leisure options like Sandbox VR and the boutique bowling brand Lane7, reflecting a deliberate strategy to diversify the offerings at Bullring and introduce new experiences.
Toby Tait, Director of Asset Management at Hammerson, commented on the development: “JD’s upsize is a testament to the attractiveness of Bullring & Grand Central and the continued ‘flight to quality’ we are experiencing across our portfolio, with high-profile brands seeking the very best locations. Our strong pipeline demonstrates the success of our strategy and the confidence we have in evolving and future-proofing our assets to attract the best quality brands and concepts.”
James Air, Director – Head of Group Acquisitions at JD, also shared his thoughts: “We can’t think of a better way to celebrate two decades of JD at the Bullring than opening a fantastic new flagship store. We’ve seen the buzz and demand JD has generated, so building such an impressive new store will bring even more of the world’s best brands to the destination’s many visitors. It’s been a great twenty years for us at Bullring, and we’re looking forward to the next twenty being even better.”
