JD makes flagship move at Trafford Centre

The sportswear and fashion retailer has committed to 42,412 sq ft, making this the largest store in its global portfolio.

JD Group, a North West institution founded just 15 miles from the centre, will take the lower level of the former TopShop unit to create a new flagship store.

The news follows the March announcement that Next has agreed a new 10-year lease, also upsizing at the centre in a deal that will bring its fashion, beauty and home offers in a single 65,000 sq ft store.

Marcus Briggs, retail director at asset manager Pradera Lateral, said: “This new JD flagship store represents a significant step in enhancing the Trafford Centre offering and we’re delighted to be announcing the news so soon after that of NEXT’s upsize.

“Trafford Centre is an iconic and sought-after retail and leisure destination and this kind of increased investment from major retail brands only serves to underline this fact.

“It’s a big year for the centre, with more exciting signings to come and significant investment in our dedicated outdoor events programme. We are proud to be building a centre that can truly live up to its strapline as an opportunity to ‘escape the ordinary’.”

Pradera Lateral, a joint venture between shopping centre specialist Pradera and retail developer Lateral Property, was appointed by the centre’s owner CPP Investments in May 2021.

James Air, head of group acquisitions at JD, said: “We are delighted to be relocating within the Trafford Centre to deliver a unique flagship.

“This will be the largest JD store ever from over 3,400 stores globally. The new store will feature a bespoke take on our latest cutting edge concept and will bring more of the very best brands to our loyal customer base in the North West.”