JD continues UK retail investment as it doubles size of Brent Cross store

JD Sports has unveiled its newly upsized store at Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London, continuing its investment in brick-and-mortar retail across the UK.

The new "bigger, better" 12,066 sq ft retail space on the upper level is almost double the size of its previous store at the centre, and now features a store front that is twice the size at 30 meters.

The opening comes hot on the heels of JD’s ‘landmark’ opening of its biggest store globally at Manchester’s Trafford Centre in June, which saw it tripling its retail presence from its previous unit to 41,000 sq ft.

It has also recently been reported that JD is upsizing its store at Braehead Shopping Centre near Glasgow, increasing its footprint by a third to create a new 18,000 sq ft flagship store, scheduled to open in 2026.

Also set to open in 2026 is JD’s upsized store at the Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield, which is tripling to 29,225 sq ft by taking five adjacent units to its existing space.

The aim of all the physical retail activity is to re-enforce JD’s status as the "leading trainer and sports fashion retailer in the UK", providing locals and visiting shoppers in key regions with "their fix" of brands including Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Jordan and On Running.

Commenting on the new Brent Cross opening, James Air, Director of Group Real Estate and Acquisitions at JD, said: "We’re delighted to open our new, bigger and better store at Brent Cross.

"With more space, more brands and a refreshed in-store experience, we’re bringing even more of what our customers love to one of our most established locations."

Neil Churchill, Destination Director at Brent Cross, added: "We’re incredibly excited to welcome JD’s newly expanded store to Brent Cross.

"This significant investment not only reaffirms JD’s commitment to the destination but also elevates the overall retail experience for our visitors.

"As one of the UK’s leading sports fashion retailers, JD’s enhanced presence plays a vital role in reinforcing Brent Cross as a go-to shopping and lifestyle hub in North London."

Across the opening weekend (just gone), dj’s "graced the decks" as shoppers explored the new space, while MattB Customs offered an exclusive customisation service to anyone who purchased footwear, caps and backpacks in-store.

Continued retail expansion in America is also part of JD’s strategy, with a third US flagship store having opened in June on Las Vegas Boulevard.

The new 29,000 sq ft store integrates JD’s omnichannel approach, combining physical and digital elements.

The Las Vegas store includes advanced digital design features "that support immersive brand storytelling" throughout the space, representing one of JD’s most technologically integrated stores to date and including one of the largest LED displays in JD’s North American portfolio.