Matalan ‘to trial’ sports shops

DISCOUNT retailer Matalan is launching a sports format, in a bid to tap into the market following the collapse of JJB Sports.

According to PropertyWeek.com the Skelmersdale-based retailer is understood to have appointed agents at Smart4 to find it up to six trial stores to test the new concept.

It is believed to have agreed a tie-up with online brand Intersport, which could also feature as part of the branding for the venture.

Although the family-owned Matalan name is not expected to feature in the new label, it is likely to take leases under the discount retailer’s name to provide a strong covenant and to enable it to expand more quickly.

Former JJB Sports chief executive Tom Knight is also understood to be involved in the project.

Jonathan Salt, a senior partner at retail agency Harvey Spack Field, said: “It’s great to have competition in the

sports sector following the collapse of JJB, and it gives landlords more options for their stores.”

All parties declined to comment on the rollout.