Sports Direct takes 40,000 sq ft at Trafford Palazzo

Setting up shop by the link bridge connecting the shopping complex to the Trafford Centre, Frasers Group has committed to a two-floor unit.

Due to open early next year, the Trafford Palazzo Sports Direct will offer customers a chance to purchase athletic attire and accessories for men, women, and children. Brands to be sold at the 40,000 sq ft store include Nike, Adidas, ASICS, and Puma.

In addition to the usual Sports Direct brands, the store will also incorporate goods from Fraser Group’s other companies: USC, GAME, and Jack Wills.

The location is viewed as a prime one within Trafford Palazzo, seeing an average annual footfall of 5m people. This figure has been growing annually and is up 10% year-on-year already.

“This is a significant signing for Trafford Palazzo and a brand that continues to have real pull with consumers,” said Mark Whittaker, managing director at Peel Retail & Leisure – the company that owns Trafford Palazzo.

Whittaker continued: “Through a clear strategy of transforming Trafford Palazzo into a destination that delivers experiences as well as selective shopping, we have secured a unique mix of occupiers who are delivering flagship and new concept stores, which in turn is boosting our visitor numbers.

“Our vision is to attract best-in-class operators, and we have no doubt Sports Direct’s new concept will enhance and complement our offering in both the centre and the wider TraffordCity destination.”

HH Retail and Creative Leisure acted for Peel Retail & Leisure on the lease. Frasers Group represented itself.

Sports Direct has been busy in the North West over the past few years, opening up a five-floor store at the Manchester Arndale last spring. Earlier this year it acquired the former M&S Liverpool building.