Lululemon launches padel pop-up at Manchester’s Trafford Centre
Lululemon has launched a two-week padel pop-up at Manchester’s Trafford Centre to coincide with the opening of its expanded store, as retailers increasingly look beyond traditional shopping experiences to engage with consumers.
Running until 23 July, the Lululemon x Trafford Centre padel court invites visitors to book one-hour sessions, tapping into the growing popularity of the sport while encouraging shoppers to spend longer at the destination.
View this post on Instagram
The activation accompanies the opening of Lululemon’s new 3,700 sq ft store, more than doubling the brand’s footprint at the shopping centre.
Manchester is one of the UK’s strongest athleisure markets, while Greater Manchester has also emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing regions for padel, making the location a natural fit for the initiative.
Kate Pearson, Portfolio Leasing Director at Pradera, said: “Today’s consumers are looking for more than just a day of shopping; they’re seeking memorable experiences.”
“Partnering with lululemon to bring this premium padel activation to Trafford Centre is a fantastic example of how brands and destinations can work together to create something genuinely engaging. As we continue to evolve our retail and leisure offering, experiences like this play an important role in attracting visitors and encouraging longer stays.”
Visitors can book the court through the Playtomic app, with sessions available daily until the activation ends on 23 July.
The launch reflects a broader shift towards experience-led retail, with brands increasingly using sport, wellness and cultural moments to create reasons for consumers to visit physical stores.
