Sports Direct to create massive retail destination in Leicester

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 7, 2017

Sports Direct has acquired a 100,000 sq ft building, formerly housed by BHS, in Leicester city centre, where it plans to set up shops for its Sports Direct, USC and Flannels fascias.

Sports Direct will create a sports destination in the city, while USC focuses on branded men’s and women’s clothing from brands such as Boss, Calvin Klein, Lacoste and DKNY. Flannels is a more upmarket retail formula, offering labels from Valentino to Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.

"We're delighted to have acquired such a fantastic site, which will enable us to significantly enhance our offering to customers in Leicester,” said a spokesperson for the company.

The retail concept on Gallowtree Gate will offer the group’s largest brands in sportswear, sports equipment and fashion under one roof, benefiting from increased customer footfall and operating synergies. The basement will feature an Everlast gym.

The move is part of a wider effort unveiled by the retailer in December to invest in larger format stores and become the “Selfridges of sports retail”.

Sports Direct has over 700 stores in the UK and internationally, including more than 83 locations across its premium & lifestyle division.