JD founders expand new concept Footasylum
THE FOUNDERS of North West retailer JD Sports are rolling out their latest high street concept.
John Wardle and David Makin – whose initials were used to create the name of the Bury-based firm- are behind Footasylum, an 18-store footwear brand.
The pair, who invested a large part of the fortunes they made from JD in Manchester City Football Club, opened their first shop in 1981. They grew the business, floated it on the stock market before leaving in 2003.
The new venture in headquartered in Heywood, Rochdale, and has 18 shops nationwide in locations such as Manchester’s Arndale Centre.
The company said today it would be opening its 19th store in Liverpool. The new shop on Bold Street is opening in a week’s time and will focus on casual, fashionable footwear from key, leading and upcoming brands targeted at the astute consumer.
David Makin said: “We’re really excited about this new store as Liverpool is now recognised as one of the retail capitals of the UK.
“The city is also home to a very discerning type of shopper and we feel the choice and quality on offer in Footasylum reflects that.
“Our relationship with the consumer in Liverpool goes back 20 years and during
that time we’ve developed a great affinity with them. We’ve always recognised them as leading edge buyers and we’re sure they will respond to the Footasylum brand and our new proposition.
“With a couple of our other clothing stores already in the city this is the final piece of the jigsaw in terms of us being able to offer a quality product and puts us on the front foot.
“We’re confident it will make a huge impact as the first dedicated store of its kind in Liverpool.”
Footasylum is teaming up with the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) to host upcoming Liverpool bands and solo artists at a special event to celebrate its arrival in the city.
