JD Sports is set to open its largest store to date at the Trafford Centre in Manchester this Saturday, 7 June, marking a significant milestone in the retailer’s global expansion. The newly expanded site will cover 41,000 square feet, becoming the brand’s biggest outlet worldwide.
The redesigned store has more than tripled its original size and features JD’s longest storefront at 92 metres. Located in one of the UK’s busiest shopping destinations, the store is expected to attract nearly four million visitors annually.
Régis Schultz, Chief Executive Officer of JD Sports, said: “The opening of our largest store in the world at Trafford Centre is a proud and landmark moment for JD. We see the world through the mindset of our customer, know what they want and set the trends for them. This opening showcases JD’s relentless drive to bring our global customers exceptional retail experiences and differentiated product, backed by our strong brand partnerships. At the same time, it’s a celebration of our roots – Manchester has been close to the heart of JD’s journey since we opened our first store in Bury in 1981. As we continue to expand our footprint across the world, the Trafford Centre store represents the future of JD: bold, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.”
To celebrate the opening, Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt will be joined by YouTube collective Beta Squad to engage with fans. Highlights will include the Puma Nitro 100-metre sprint challenge, offering participants the chance to test their speed against Bolt’s record. Beta Squad will be present throughout the morning, adding to the event’s energy.
Shoppers can also look forward to a series of exclusive experiences. Nike will host ‘Nike AM95: The Vault’, featuring limited releases including the AM95 OG Mandarin and AM95 OG Pink Foam trainers. Crep Protect will offer product demonstrations and giveaways, while JD-exclusive brand Unlike Humans will provide treats from its branded ice cream truck.
The store will stock a wide selection of products from major sportswear labels such as Nike, adidas, PUMA, and On Running, alongside JD exclusives. The site is part of JD’s broader strategy to invest in immersive physical retail experiences as it continues international growth.
Marcus Briggs, Managing Director at Pradera Lateral, the Trafford Centre’s asset management firm, said: “The anticipation and excitement has been building for this opening of JD’s Trafford Centre flagship store. The respective property, marketing and design teams have worked extremely hard to deliver a store of global significance for our Trafford Centre visitors and we are all delighted with the outcome. We really value our longstanding partnership with JD.”
The Trafford Centre location is positioned as a blueprint for future store formats, aligning with JD’s ‘JD Brand First’ strategic approach that emphasises customer engagement and innovation.
