JD Sports shapes up for gyms sector launch

JOHN David Sports Fashion, the listed retailer, is entering the fitness sector by launching a chain of low cost health clubs.

The Bury-based group, which owns JD Sports, fashion stores such as Bank and Scotts, and most recently outdoor chain Blacks, has acquired its first site.

It is investing around £1m in a former Fitness First gym in Hull, which will open next month after a major refit.

JD Sports Fashion executive chairman Peter Cowgill told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We are exploring the opportunities in the health and leisure clubs market and trialling a concept at a couple of sites.

“It it works, we’ll look to do more, if it doesn’t we won’t.”

JD It has appointed Alun Peacock, previously national operations manager of JJB Fitness Clubs and then DW Sports Fitness, to lead the new venture.

Mr Peacock said : “We have a couple of other sites under offer in other big cities but those are deals we are working on at the moment.”