The countdown is on to the grand opening of JD’s brand-new flagship store, with the sports fashion brand preparing to open in the Trafford Centre in Manchester on Saturday 7 June.
The new store will be JD’s biggest ever, delivering world-class shopping experiences that will ‘serve the community and redefine what’s possible’.
JD was born right here in Greater Manchester, first opening in Bury in 1981, and has gone on to be a leader in sports fashion and lifestyle retail.
With this new flagship store, shoppers will be able to discover the hottest drops from global sportswear giants like Nike, adidas, On Running and PUMA, plus JD exclusives like Unlike Humans.
The landmark new opening will be celebrated in a big way this weekend at the Trafford Centre, with none other than eight-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Usain Bolt attending the grand unveiling.
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Then there’ll be the chance to win prizes, shop rare and sought-after sneakers, and get items customised.
The new JD store officially opens its doors tomorrow – Saturday 7 June – from 10am, with loads of exciting experiences planned.
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JD to open largest-ever flagship store at The Trafford Centre in Manchester this weekend
Usain Bolt will be in store, with select fans having the opportunity to show off their running skills in front of the fastest man on the planet.
Lucky shoppers will be put into teams to race for prizes, and will have the chance to try and beat Bolt’s record on the Puma Nitro 100 metre spring challenge.
YouTube giants Beta Squad will also be there throughout the opening morning, bringing their energy and humour live and direct.
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Meanwhile, Nike is bringing the ‘Nike AM95: The Vault’, giving sneakerheads a chance to get their hands on a sold-out OG Heat product.
At exactly 1.10pm – a throwback to the ‘110s’ nickname – there’ll be the OG Mandarin up for grabs, along with a limited run of the OG Pink Foam, which will be on sale from doors opening at 10am.
A glimpse of the largest JD store in the world
Crep Protect will be hosting demos and giveaways; Unlike Humans will be there with their ice cream truck serving matcha and vanilla mochi; and you can get any Unlike Humans item you buy customised by Matt B Customs for free.
James Air, Director of Group Acquisitions at JD, commented: “This new store at Trafford Centre is set to be a true statement of intent. It’s our biggest, boldest space to date – and it’s happening in the city where our journey began.
“This is JD at its very best: fashion-forward, community-focused, and pushing the boundaries of retail.
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“And JD’s opening at Trafford Centre isn’t just about creating a dynamic new shopping destination – it also brings new jobs to the area, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing investment in the local communities it serves, which is at the heart of JD’s mission.”
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome the world’s largest JD to Trafford Centre. This mammoth, flagship store is a game-changer, not just for Manchester but for retail as a whole.
“With expert staff on hand, immersive displays and bespoke services, the new JD store will be a destination in its own right – promising an incredible in-store experience.”
JD’s new flagship store has been fuelled by the brand’s Forever Forward mission that propels youth culture forward.
Expect groundbreaking releases, creative partnerships and cutting-edge cultural experiences.
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JD will open its flagship store at the Trafford Centre in Manchester on Saturday 7 June from 10am.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed
Daisy Jackson
The road to one of the biggest nights in rugby league has officially been mapped out, with the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final set to return to Manchester’s Old Trafford this October.
Following the final round of regular-season action, the four play-off ties have now been confirmed as the battle for a place at the home of Manchester United enters its final stages.
And there’s plenty for Greater Manchester sports fans to get excited about.
Wigan Warriors have secured the League Leaders’ Shield after an emphatic 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, with Matt Peet’s side running in nine tries to finish top of the table.
The result keeps Wigan’s hopes of an incredible treble alive, having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup back in May.
They’ll now have a week off while the opening play-off ties take place, as will second-placed Leeds Rhinos.
The first eliminator sees Wakefield Trinity welcome Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 8pm.
Then, on Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5.30pm.
The winners of those games will progress to the semi-finals, while the losing sides will face the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Leeds will host the highest-ranked eliminator loser on Friday 25 September at 8pm.
Then, 24 hours later, Wigan will welcome the lowest-ranked loser to the Brick Community Stadium for their semi-final, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday 26 September.
For Wigan, it represents a huge opportunity to take another step towards an historic treble – and ultimately a return to Old Trafford.
The Grand Final itself takes place on Saturday 3 October, with the action getting underway at 6pm.
As ever, the biggest prize in Super League will be decided under the lights at Old Trafford, with the two remaining sides battling it out in front of what is expected to be another huge crowd in Manchester.
A 23-foot glowing floating Earth installation has landed at Trafford Palazzo
Thomas Melia
Greater Manchester shopping destination Trafford Palazzo is now home to a giant 23 foot Earth replica, which will be enchanting visitors throughout autumn.
Trafford Palazzo is home to lots of different unique experiential leisure and retail offerings.. There’s SeaLife,P. Louise City, Legoland Discovery Centre and now this 200,000 square foot retail destination is now housing the actual Earth too.
Known more formally as Gaia, this 23 foot floating sculpture has been installed at Trafford Palazzo and will stay here throughout September and the beginning of October, with a whole host of events arriving alongside.
From Wednesday 9 September to Friday 2 October, you can expect everything from live music, wellness and fitness experiences, and a free Space School.
From Thursday 10 September, there will be a series of candlelit concerts with each night themed around popular artists like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Oasis and Hans Zimmer.
A wellness session in collaboration with The Wellness Hub is coming on Sunday 20 September where anyone who takes part can unwind and slow down underneath the impressive floating globe.
W5, BelfastCredit: Roy Riley Photography 07816547063Gaia, a huge floating Earth installation, has arrived at Trafford Palazzo
Later this month, you’re encouraged to try out a 150-person HYROX workout, on Thursday 26 September, which will be led by qualified Everlast Gyms coach, with the first 50 attendees scoring a free goodie bag.
And, every Sunday throughout September, kids can enjoy a free and fun learning experience titled ‘Sunday Space School’, where there’s face painting opportunities and a create-your-own spaceship workshop.
Leandra Dwyer, Asset Manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Gaia at Trafford Palazzo, adding another world-class experience to our destination.
Credit: Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbHW5, Belfast
“For one month, guests can observe this extraordinary artwork up close surrounded by our iconic Roman-inspired architecture and spectacular glazed dome, highlighting the unique setting we offer for a broad range of immersive events and installations.”
Created by Luke Jerram and officially unveiled in 2018, this touring artwork has attracted over 30 million visitors throughout its journeys across the world.
Gaia will be displayed inside Trafford Palazzo from 9 September to 2 October with a varied events programme to coincide – tickets and more info availableHERE.
Daisy Jackson -
6th June 2025 
