Retailer Sporting Pro to hit the ground running with launch

SPORTS retailer Tom Knight has taken the wraps off the new concept he has been developing for North West discount fashion chain Matalan, and will open 14 Sporting Pro shops by the end of this year.

The launch of the new business will aim to fill the void in the market left by collapsed Wigan chain JJB Sports – which Mr Knight used to run before it ran into trouble.

The launch of the new venture, which will trade as INTERSPORT Sporting Pro, will create 370 jobs by December.

Since the demise of JJB Sports, the market has been further dominated by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct, while JD Sports Fashion, is more focused on branded urban-wear and trainers than being a serious supplier of sports equipment.

Stores will be up to 15,000 sq ft and will feature a strong women’s presence, with a range of footwear and apparel plus equipment for a variety of sports, including football, rugby, individual sports and racket sports. It is understood the first wave of openings will include a flagship store in Stockport.

Sporting Pro has become a member of INTERSPORT, the brand management and buying organisation that operates worldwide,

Mr Knight said: “More people participate in some form of sport than ever before; whether it’s to encourage a healthier lifestyle or playing at competition level. Sporting Pro will cater for all; all our staff will be fully trained and knowledgeable in their field to help and advise our customers on their sport requirements.”

The stores will have a strong focus on women’s fitness and running. They will also services including gait analysis and custom fit insoles. There will be nets in-store for cricket, hockey and golf practise.

Footwear and apparel brands will include Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Reebok, Under Armour, Kappa, Canterbury and Onitsuka Tiger. Equipment suppliers include Head, Babolat, Wilson, Speedo, Raleigh, and outdoor brands Columbia and Berghaus.

The business has confirmed an exclusive support programme with sports legacy charity Sporting Promise. As part of its commitment, Sporting Pro is introducing a reward card scheme and will contribute 1% of all reward card transactions to sports in the community via the development of schools and grassroots sports.