Sports Direct plans huge new store at Trafford Centre Palazzo

Sports Direct has signed a long-term agreement to open a new store at the Trafford Palazzo, linked by a walkway to the Trafford Centre.

The  new 40,000 sq. ft store  in Trafford Palazzo, owned by Peel Retail & Leisure, will be set across two floors, and will house more brands from Frasers Group’s portfolio including USC, GAME and Jack Wills.

Sports Direct will be taking a premium footfall location within Trafford Palazzo located at the entrance to the link bridge that connects to The Trafford Centre.

Trafford Palazzo has annual footfall of five million people and is rising by 10% year-on-year.

The new store is set to open early 2025, and will boast leading sports and leisure brands, including Nike, adidas, Puma, and ASICS as well as feature specialist sporting areas set out for running, football, and outdoor, across men’s, women’s and kidswear.

Mark Whittaker, Managing Director at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “This is a significant signing for Trafford Palazzo and a brand that continues to have real pull with consumers. 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.”

Trafford Palazzo, situated at the heart of what Peel now calls TraffordCity, offers 350,000 sq. ft of retail and leisure space, with anchor tenants such as Primark, Sealife and Legoland being recently joined by up-and-coming brands and experiences, including NERF AX, King Pins and soon-to-open Archie’s Atomic.