'Landmark moment' as JD Sports opens biggest store globally in Manchester

JD Sports will swing open the doors of its biggest store globally in Manchester tomorrow, describing it as the "ultimate destination for fresh fits and exclusive flex" and a blueprint for its international retail expansion.

The 41,000 sq ft store has been created following a revamp and upsize of its previous Trafford Centre location, which has resulted in a tripling of its size. It features the largest store front in the global JD Sports store estate spanning 92 metres (302 feet).

Inside the store shoppers will find special takeovers from Nike, adidas, PUMA and On Running along with JD brand exclusives from Unlike Humans and more. A store this significant deserves a special opening ceremony, so eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has been called upon to carry out the proceedings along with Youtubers Beta Squad, known for their humorous videos centring on challenges.

Some lucky shoppers will have the rare chance to showcase their running skills to the fastest man on the planet and try their hand at beating Bolt’s record time on the Puma Nitro 100-metre print challenge.

Nike will be showcasing the ‘Nike AM95: The Vault’: allowing shoppers to get their hands on sold-out "heat product" with the chance to grab a pair of AM95 OG Mandarin and AM95 OG Pink Foam sneakers (7 June). Shoppers can also expect Crep Protect demos and giveaways, and Unlike Humans will be keeping the treats flowing with their iconic ice cream truck.

JD Sports Fashion CEO Régis Schultz,  said the opening was a "proud and landmark moment", adding: "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.” 

The opening is also a landmark moment for the Trafford Centre destination as the store is expected to draw an annual footfall of four million shoppers. Marcus Briggs, managing director at Pradera Lateral, 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.”