Sports Direct has confirmed it will open a new flagship store in the former BHS site in Manchester Arndale.
The sportswear giant is moving into the five-floor unit formerly occupied by the department store.
BHS shut down its Manchester store in 2016 when the company crashed into administration, and its former home in the Arndale has been mostly vacant ever since.
Now, Sports Direct has signed a 15-year lease on the 58,500 sq ft unit and will relocate from its existing location in the shopping centre, doubling its footprint.
The old BHS store in Manchester city centre will be taken over by Sports Direct. Credit: Google Maps
Due to open late this year, the new shop will incorporate several Sports Direct brands, like USC, Game, Evans Cycles and Belong Esports Arena.
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The sportswear brand has had a presence in the Arndale since 2009, selling everything from athletics equipment to camping gear.
It also sells the latest football kits, tapping into Manchester’s huge football industry.
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Sports Direct’s current store in the Arndale. Credit: Manchester Arndale
Other brands that have moved into the Arndale in recent months include Debenhams.com, Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Geiger, Kick Game and Canada Goose.
Scott Linard, portfolio director at M&G Real Estate, said: “Despite the challenges faced by the retail industry over the past few years, Manchester Arndale has remained resilient throughout the pandemic, completing 25 new leases throughout 2020 and 2021.
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Paperchase has recently joined the Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group
“We are therefore delighted that Sports Direct have not only chosen to commit its long-term future to the centre, but also double the size of its store.
“This demonstrates the confidence that major retailers have in Manchester Arndale as every year it attracts millions of visitors from across the North West and beyond thanks to its prime city centre location, excellent transport links, and its eclectic mix of leisure operators, F&B providers, and international brands.
“Sports Direct is a key driver of footfall for the centre, as it appeals to Manchester’s love of sport and especially to the younger demographic in the city.
“This latest letting is set to be the start of an action-packed year for Manchester Arndale as we look forward to growing our diverse mix of tenants to ensure it remains the North West’s premier shopping destination.”
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The new Sports Direct store will open at the Arndale, on the corner of Market Street and High Street, at the end of 2022.
Featured image: Supplied
Shopping
Manchester City release limited-edition Blossoms shirts exclusively in new flagship store
Daisy Jackson
Manchester City have released a limited run of special Blossoms shirts, which will be available exclusively at the new flagship City Store.
Etihad Airways has donated the front-of-shirt space for the special drop, which celebrates the Stockport band’s lifelong support of Man City and will fundraise forCity in the Community’s 40th anniversary.
The Manchester City x Blossoms collab features the band’s logo across the chest of the 2024/25 season’s away shirt – one of the Club’s most popular designs in recent years.
Profits from sales of the shirts will be donated to CITC to support its 40th anniversary fundraising, which empower healthier lives with city youth through football.
Blossoms have just secured their fifth UK number one album with their latest release, ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’, and will soon be heading on an arena tour that includes two massive shows at the Co-op Live.
There’s a very limited run of the Man City Blossoms shirts, available in sizes small to large, which will exclusively be sold at the new flagship CityStore.
The shirts have dropped in-store this morning, with further drops to be released around the band’s tour dates this November and December.
As for that new City store – it’s a whopping 21,000 sq ft, three-floor space at Medlock Square, right beside the Etihad Stadium, and is the biggest shop in the club’s history.
The new flagship has opened today in collaboration with PUMA and Stichd, and features a new, interactive ‘Make It Yours’ customisation station as well as an expanded range of Manchester City products.
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available
Emily Sergeant
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Greater Manchester.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit more than 300 new colleagues to support its store teams across Greater Manchester this festive season.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Greater Manchester – including Altrincham, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, Manchester Market Street, Prestwich, Sale, Stockport, Stretford, Trafford Centre, and Walkden.
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available / Credit: M&S Manchester | Supplied
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Daisy Jackson -
8th February 2022 
