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Tag: #sport

  • Tencent closed to buy sports firm Amer

    Tencent closed to buy sports firm Amer

    Social media conglomerate Tencent Holdings is believed to be close to joining a Chinese investment group bidding to acquire Finnish sports goods firm Amer. The consortium, spearheaded by Anta Sports Products, would see Tencent participating as one of a few minority investors under the proposal. Its involvement would serve to boost considerably Amer’s brands in the Chinese market.

    In a statement made two months ago, Anta spoke of joining with local buyout company FountainVest Partners to offer a potential €40 (US$45.60) per share for Amer, a target value of around €4.7 billion ($5.3 billion). The consortium has sought at least €3.5 billion ($3.99 billion) in loans. Anta has a market value of about $11.6 billion.

    The acquisition agreement could potentially be complete within several weeks.

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  • Why did Under Armour stock rise by 27% ?

    Why did Under Armour stock rise by 27% ?

    The sportswear maker, in the midst of a convincing turnaround this year, blew away Wall Street estimates in third quarter earnings reported this week and injected a dose of optimism into the stock market. Under Armour shares were up an overwhelming 27.82 percent.

    The broader index seesawed for much of the day but a late afternoon rally lifted it to a gain of 1.55 percent.

    While few companies this quarter have been rewarded for good financial results, Under Armour scored the trifecta: It beat estimates on earnings and revenues, and it raised forward guidance on profits by nearly 20 percent.

    Akamai Technologies also soared today on strong earnings.

    The online content delivery company beat earnings estimates by more than 10 percent and revenues by more than 1 percent on the strength of demand from video-gamers and cyber-security customers.

    The stock was up 16.92 percent.

    Tech services provider Cognizant Technology, on the other hand, saw its stock fall 3.9 percent — the biggest decline on the index — after it lowered fourth quarter guidance because of weak demand from bank customers.

    The broader technology sector rallied strongly with Twitter (4.54 percent), Facebook (2.91 percent) and Alphabet Inc. (1.58 percent) posting gains while Amazon.com (-0.55 percent) and Adobe Systems Inc. (-0.56 percent) had small losses.

    Chipmaker NVIDIA Corp. continued to play the tech sector pinball. Down 6.39 percent then up 9.36 percent.

    Telecom giant Comcast continued to draft off its strong earnings report last week and what appears to be a shift in the market to more defensive stocks with dependable outlooks.

    The stock gained 4.78 percent and is up more than 10 percent since it reported earnings last week.

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  • Specialized Bicycle opened first store in Philippines

    Specialized Bicycle opened first store in Philippines

    Bicycle brand Specialized has opened the first of three stores planned for the Philippines. The first Specialized Manila store is trading now at SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.  More are planned for Quezon City and Pasig by the end of this year. More will follow in other cities from next year.

    Billed as “a bicycle brand made for riders by riders”, the 44-year-old company describes the stores as “a cyclist’s haven”.

    “We want to serve the riders where they are, and at the same time make it convenient for them to get that one-stop bike shop experience,” said Ritchie Santayana, customer development director of Gruppo Innovare Corp, the local distributor of the brand.

    Specialized makes bicycles for triathletes and sports people as well as enthusiasts of cycling as a means of maintaining fitness

    The Specialized Manila stores will stock technically advanced models including the trail bike Stumpjumper, e-mountain bikes Turbo Levo and Kenevo, the fast road bike the Venge; and the lightweight Tarmac racing bike.

  • 2018 Porsche Cayenne India Revealed

    2018 Porsche Cayenne India Revealed

    We’d told you a long time back that the 2018 Porsche Cayenne is all set to land on Indian soil this year. Though the launch has been delayed to the festive season, the company was planning to launch the car in the middle of the year. However, the third generation of the SUV is all set to grace our shores today. Bookings for the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo had already started in September and the first batch of cars will be delivered this year. The all-new model boasts of a new and more agile platform, more powerful engines and for the first time, the option of a hybrid powertrain as well.

    The 2018 Porsche Cayenne SUV gets a host of upgrades over its predecessor including a revised chassis, and a separated link design for the front axle and a multi-link rear axle. The latter though is offered as optional, but further improves the agility on the car. Visually too, the Cayenne has evolved and gets a sharper looking appearance while keeping the appearance similar. The SUV now comes with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PLDS) or LED Matrix Beam headlights, which also include PDLS.

    In terms of power, the new generation Porsche Cayenne will be offered in a range of engine options including V6 and V8. The standard version will use a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 with 335 bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque, while the Cayenne S will draw power from the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that produces 433 bhp and 550 Nm of peak torque. The 2018 Cayenne Turbo packs in 542 bhp and 770 Nm of peak torque from a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, and is capable of hitting a top speed of 286 kmph.

  • Porsche to price Taycan electric sports car between Cayenne, Panamera

    Porsche to price Taycan electric sports car between Cayenne, Panamera

    Porsche will position the Taycan below the brand’s Panamera sedan when the electric four-door sports car reaches markets next year, with a likely starting price above 80,000 euros (about $92,500).

    “We’re expecting a price somewhere between a Cayenne and a Panamera,” said Robert Meier, the complete vehicle model line director for the Taycan.

    Including taxes, that would place the vehicle between 74,828 euros and 90,655 euros for its base version of the car in Germany.

    However, Porsche Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke told reporters that he wants to offer higher-performance versions that could be priced as much as 200,000 euros, such as a Taycan Turbo S.

    The Taycan’s two permanently excited synchronous electric motors, supplied by Italy’s Magneti Marelli, will produce more than 600 hp and accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in less than 3.5 seconds. The Taycan aims to be the fastest series production electric car around Germany’s Nordschleife racetrack, with a lap time of less than 8 minutes.

    “Asynchronous e-motors are clearly more affordable, but they have one very important disadvantage: You can only overload the motor once when you want high dynamic acceleration before it quickly reaches its limits the second or third time,” Meier said. “That’s fine for most electric cars but not for a high-performance Porsche.”

    The 800-volt lithium-ion battery, built by Draexlmaier Group outside Stuttgart, is composed of “pouch” cells sourced from LG Chem of Korea in a specific power-to-energy ratio that balances the needs of range with those of performance.

    Together, the roughly 400 battery cells have a gravimetric energy density equivalent to 270 watt-hours per kilogram, roughly comparable to the latest technology on the market today.

    The Taycan will be able to drive more than 500 km (310 miles) miles on a single charge under the New European Driving Cycle. Once drained, the battery needs only about 4 minutes to add a further 100 km in range when using a 350-kW fast-charging station. By comparison, Porsche estimates a Tesla requires two and a half times that duration. Porsche expects it will build 20,000 units of the Taycan a year on two shifts, but production boss Albrecht Reimold said a third shift could be added if more capacity is needed.

  • Singtel, affiliates sign eSports alliance

    Singtel, affiliates sign eSports alliance

    Singtel and four of its regional mobile associates have entered a collaboration agreement aimed at stimulating the gaming and eSports ecosystem in Southeast Asia, Australia and India.

    Singtel and wholly-owned Australian subsidiary Optus have signed agreements with India’s Bharti Airtel, Thailand’s AIS, the Philippines’ Globe Telecom and Indonesia’s Telkomsel covering areas including scaling up eSports, content creation and distribution.

    Singtel, Optus, Airtel, AIS, Globe and Telkomsel plan to jointly develop solutions and services for gamers and fans across the region, including providing access to local, regional and global eSports competitions, original content and exclusive programming.

    The agreement was signed at the Singtel Group’s first multi-title and regional eSports league championship – the PVP Esports Championship – over the weekend.

    The Singtel Group has announced plans to leverage its telco assets and regional mobile customer base of more than 700 million to pursue opportunities to encourage eSports development.

    Singtel also used the championship event to unveil its new ultra-fast fiber broadband service  for Singapore gamers, which includes 1Gbps of dedicated gaming bandwidth and another 1Gbps for general internet usage.

    “Gaming is part of a digital world without borders, where fast network speeds, connectivity and local market knowledge are critical. It is a natural and perfect fit for Singtel and our partners,” Singtel International CEO Arthur Lang said.

    “We are committed to working as a group to better serve the gamers in our networks, and in the region. We hope to play a major regional role as an enabler of eSports, to collectively grow the gaming ecosystem, and give gamers the support and recognition they deserve.”

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  • Belle International sells sportswear division

    Belle International sells sportswear division

    The private-equity owners of Chinese women’s shoe retailer Belle International Holdings are considering a spinoff of its sportswear distribution business.

    Hillhouse Capital and CDH Investments, which took Belle private in a US$6.8 billion deal completed in July, are weighing a Hong Kong IPO of the unit as soon as next year, insiders say. A listing could raise about $1 billion, reports Bloomberg.

    With more than 20,000 retail outlets, mostly in Mainland China, Belle sells such brands as Adidas, Nike and Puma. The Shenzhen-based company also makes shoes under its own labels including Belle, Millie’s and Staccato, and its separate sportswear and apparel business sells sneakers and clothing under other brands.

    Belle was taken private last year as Chinese shoppers went increasingly online. The buyout gave Hillhouse a 57.6 per cent stake, while CDH holds 11.9 per cent and management members own the balance.

    Hong Kong-based Hillhouse, led by founder Lei Zhang, oversees more than $25 billion while CDH, established in 2002 by former China International Capital Corp. dealmakers, invested in Belle before the shoe company’s IPO.

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  • Helly Hansen sold off to a Canadian Tire Corporation

    Helly Hansen sold off to a Canadian Tire Corporation

    Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) is set to buy Norwegian sportswear brand Helly Hansen for US$771 million.

    Helly Hansen, founded in 1877, has been progressively expanding its footprint to cover 40 countries, specialising in clothing for sailing, skiing, mountain sports, wet weather gear and workwear. The business was previously owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

    Despite its name, CTC is Canada’s largest retail operator with interests in apparel, food, car tyres, sports and homewares. Its brands include Mark’s, SuperCycle and FGL (formerly Forzani). Mark’s is one of Helly Hansen’s largest retail customers.

    “For more than 10 years, Helly Hansen has been an exceptional fit with CTC and this acquisition will strengthen our assortment across all of our banners,” said Stephen Wetmore, president and CEO of CTC.

    “With our capabilities and Helly Hansen’s trusted global brand and management team, we see tremendous opportunity for CTC and Helly Hansen, in Canada and internationally.”

    Helly Hansen’s CEO Paul Stoneham and his management team based in Oslo, will continue to lead the business.

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  • Xiong’an New District New Showcase for another JD store

    Xiong’an New District New Showcase for another JD store

    Chinese e-commerce company JD has opened its largest-yet unmanned store, in Xiong’an New District.

    In the Xiong’an Civic Service Center,  the 246sqm outlet uses innovative technology as JD rolls out a “new-model industrial ecological chain”.

    Jingdong X unsupervised stores have already opened in more than 10 cities, including Beijing, Dalian and Tianjin, at malls, scenic spots and petrol stations. Shoppers use face-scanning technology to enter. Products have electronic price tags and payment is automatic.

    Xiong’an New District is being built south of Beijing as an economic hub, and JD is already planning a second store there. The move comes shortly after JD announced it would open 1000 convenience stores every day by the end of this year. The convenience retail plan runs on a franchise model.

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  • Lotus Launches The New Exige Sport 410

    Lotus Launches The New Exige Sport 410

    With a stunning combination of raw speed and real-world ability, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 joins a line-up like no other to complete the Exige family of peerless sports cars.

    Starting with the revised Exige Sport 350, the comprehensive Exige range now includes the new Exige Sport 410 and culminates with the extreme Exige Cup 430: each at a distinct price point, performance level and degree of motorsport focus.

    Developed directly from the track focused Exige Cup 430, the Exige Sport 410 is designed to be the ultimate road drive, unrivalled in its class.

    This latest addition to the Exige range packs the advanced chassis, suspension and powertrain set-up from its more powerful stablemate, the track focused Exige Cup 430, with a recalibrated engine producing 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lbft) on tap from 3,000 rpm to 7000 rpm. The high-performance 3.5-litre, supercharged and charge cooled V6 engine combined with a dry weight of just 1,054 kg (lightest possible dry) delivers a class-leading power to weight ratio of 389 hp / tonne, and makes the Exige Sport 410 the lightest V6 Exige ever.

    Capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, it records fierce in-gear acceleration before reaching a top speed of 180 mph / 290 km/h (Coupe configuration) – equal to the range-topping Exige Cup 430.

    The Exige Sport 410 has been developed to generate 150 kg of downforce, sharing design cues from the Exige Cup 430, adopting a visually arresting revised lightweight front clam panel incorporating wider grilles and carbon fibre air curtains and front splitter.

    As with all Lotus cars, the Exige Sport 410 has outstanding handling and lightweight agility engineered into its very DNA. Conveying an extraordinary level of tactility and precision, it’s developed to perform at its very best with maximum enjoyment and driver feedback on the road.

    Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “With every new Lotus we look to move the bar higher and apply technology and development ideas drawn from top-of-the-range models. Our agility as a company means that the lessons learnt today can quickly be incorporated into the cars of tomorrow and the Exige Sport 410 is a perfect example of this. We have taken the Exige Cup 430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car, ensuring that we stay ahead of rivals when it comes to cars that deliver a truly engaging analogue driving experience.”

    Completing the update to the entire Exige range, the new front clam design also transitions across to the Exige Sport 350, giving a visual refresh to the entry-level model in the Exige line-up.

    Both the Exige Sport 410 and Exige Sport 350 are available in Coupe and Roadster configurations, with the Roadster having a lightweight black removable soft-top which can be easily stowed within the car for open-top driving. The Roadster configuration is not available for the Exige Cup 430.

    The Exige Sport 410 – forged through development

    Reflecting its Sport nomenclature, the new Exige Sport 410 treads the fine balance of cars that retain their focus on road driving yet remain supremely responsive and agile. Whilst Lotus’ Cup variants are developed with circuit driving at heart, the Sport models are tuned to provide the perfect balance of performance, agility and power delivery for the road.

    Working from Lotus’ standpoint as the leader in lightweight design, every gram has been justified, from the standard lightweight carbon front splitter and access panel at the front to the carbon side pods, tailgate and wing at the rear.

    Distinctive in its appearance, thanks to wider aperture grilles in the new front clam panel, the Exige Sport 410’s revised aero configuration provides total downforce of 150 kg (60 kg at the front and 90 kg at the rear); developed through extensive CFD modelling and wind tunnel testing in order to preserve the car’s handling balance and high-speed stability.

    The front splitter helps separate and speed airflow under the car, and the inclusion of air curtain elements into the front clam panel efficiently moves air through to the front wheel cavities to help reduce turbulence and drag created by the front wheels. In addition, the enlarged front clam panel openings, with wider radiator apertures, aid cooling. At the rear, the extended Aluminium diffuser, combined with the new high-mounted wing all contribute to the Exige Sport 410’s enhanced downforce.

    The Exige Sport 410 uses the Exige Cup 430’s 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine with supercharger and water-to-air charge cooler, calibrated to generate 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lbft) of torque from 3,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm. The latest addition to the range also employs the oil cooler configuration and larger clutch from the Exige Cup 430, perfectly matched to the close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission with exposed-gear-change linkage.

    Befitting an industry benchmark, the Exige Sport 410 takes the chassis, suspension and dampers from the Exige Cup 430, re-tuning the three-way adjustable Nitron dampers for a road bias and to suit the car’s revised aerodynamic set-up. These can be customised to the driver’s precise requirements (rebound and low and high-speed compression) along with the Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, fitted as standard, which complete the car’s class-leading chassis set-up.

    The Exige Sport 410 is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (285/30 ZR18 rear and 215/45 ZR17 front), 20 mm wider at the rear deliver improved traction and work in harmony with the car’s ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, which are available in either black or silver. Braking is courtesy of AP Racing, with forged, four-piston calipers and performance two-piece J-hook brake discs. With a higher thermal capacity and improved bite, these discs have better debris clearance and impart consistent pedal feel with greater stopping power.

    Performance options for the Exige Sport 410 include a full exhaust system in titanium, removing 10 kg from beyond the rear axle, and a number of high-gloss, visible weave carbon fibre components including instrument binnacle, sill covers, barge boards and roof. A host of motorsport-centric options are also available including electrical cut-off and fire extinguisher controls, airbag deletion, a non-airbag steering wheel, 4-point harnesses and a dealer fit FIA compliant roll cage.

    Centre of attention in the cabin is Lotus’ acclaimed open-gate manual gearshift design giving quick and precise changes. The fine detailing continues with an Alcantara® steering wheel and Lotus’ own carbon fibre sports seats trimmed with either a combination of Alcantara® and leather or optional full leather, both featuring contrast stitching.

    The optional Interior Colour Pack (in a choice of four colours) provides contrasting surrounds to the transmission console, HVAC surround, carbon seat eyelets and electric window bezels. As standard, the centre console and dashboard are trimmed in Alcantara® with the door cards, a combination of Alcantara® and leather. Air conditioning and an integrated entertainment system including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality can also be specified.

    Lotus Exclusive

    The new Exige Sport 410 can be personalised through the popular Lotus Exclusive programme. Combining traditional British craftsmanship with modern design, the service inspires customers to spend time tailoring the character of their Lotus with a comprehensive array of options.

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  • AirAsia takes flight with AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 as official supporter

    AirAsia takes flight with AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 as official supporter

    AirAsia has partnered with AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 to become the official supporter of the football competition for the first time. Its sponsorship comes at a time when the tournament will undergo changes to its format, in a bid to drive greater fan engagement and offer players with more exposure in their home countries.

    Among the list of sponsors and supporters include title sponsor Suzuki, official sponsors Men’s Biore and Yanmar, as well as regional supporter Grand Sport. According to AirAsia’s group CEO Tony Fernandes, football is the people’s game and AirAsia is the people’s airline. “We look forward to supporting the sport in ASEAN in a meaningful way and hope one day soon, we will have an ASEAN club championship to raise the game here further,” Fernandes said.

    His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, president of the ASEAN Football Federation, said With AirAsia’s support, it is confident that this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup will be one of the “most successful” and engaging for fans across the region.

    “We are proud to partner such a strong and established brand like AirAsia whose reputation as an innovative, value-driven, and high-performing carrier dovetails with Southeast Asia’s crown jewel football tournament,” he added. A+M has reached out to AirAsia for additional details.

    This comes after the ASEAN Football Federation recently unveiled a new visual identity for the competition, which contains four colour schemes – magenta (depicting passion and energy), cyan (represents a fresh beginning), green (the vibrancy of a football pitch) as well as blue (topography of the region). AFF’s long-term commercial partner, Lagardère Sports, managed the overall process of creating the new tournament visuals.

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  • Sportswear sales growth goes up

    Sportswear sales growth goes up

    Sportswear sales grew faster than those of luxury goods in China between 2012 and last year, says research group Euromonitor International.

    Market leaders Adidas and Nike have both had double-digit sales growth, while Lululemon and Under Armour are also dominant.

    Meanwhile, local brand Particle Fever is attracting attention with its designer sportswear.

    “People in China, especially Beijing, want to be seen differently,” says co-founder Zoe Liu, who says it is the only local activewear brand that takes a creative approach to marketing and branding. It makes sports bras, leggings and running shorts designed to be trendy and fashionable as well as comfortable for activities.

    Liu’s line, which is sold on Tmall as well as by Lane Crawford, sits alongside the sportswear collections of New Balance and Reebok in retail outlets like Runner Camp, a concept fitness store that opened in Shanghai six months ago and includes an experience centre and running track as well as a gym.

    Less than 10 years ago, most young Chinese female tourists in the country’s mountains wore a dress and heels. Booming interest in health and fitness has generated demand for more practical and fashionable fitness gear.

    Liu is now making final preparations for opening her second showroom in China, in WF Central, a new high-end shopping mall on Beijing’s oldest shopping street, Wangfujing. It will look more like an art gallery or a designer concept store as Liu and her team collaborate with artists to create visual displays.

    They also plan to invite emerging sports groups, such as modern dance troupes, for in-store performances.

    WF Central, developed by Hongkong Land, prioritises wellness, with its tenants including Under Armour with its largest showroom internationally, Superdry with a flagship store and Hong Kong’s Pure Yoga with its first studio for China.

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  • JD Sports Australia to expand logistics capabilities

    JD Sports Australia to expand logistics capabilities

    British sports fashion retailer JD Sports has issued a vote of confidence in its fledgling Australian operation, revealing that it is expanding its local logistics capabilities to facilitate “anticipated future growth”.

    Delivering its financial results for the 53 weeks ended 3 February in the UK on Tuesday, JD’s executive chairman Peter Cowgill said work to bolster its fulfilment in Australia was ongoing and that initial trading from its first five stores Down Under was “encouraging”.

    “Our initial performance in these markets [including Malaysia] is encouraging and it has given us the confidence to investigate options in other territories,” Cowgill said.

    “A smaller scale project to expand our logistics capabilities in Australia to facilitate anticipated further growth, both in stores and online, of the JD fascia is also ongoing,” he said.

    The comments come just a week after JD’s local arm, which is being shepherded by Rebel founder Hilton Seskin, announced three new stores (bringing its total to 9), one of which is already open in Macquarie, Sydney.

    JD has worked with the local veteran on slowly laying the bedrock for its Australian expansion over the last few years, launching about a year ago.

    As of 3 February JD had 12 stores in Asia Pacific and 52 stores across other businesses in the region, such as Glue in Australia.

    The listed British business does not separate its sales figures from individual markets outside of the UK, but revenue from operations outside of its home market and Europe increased by 46.6 per cent to £31.5 million (AUD$58.01m) during the year.

    Record profit

    Group-wide JD reported a record increase in its before tax profit for the year, up 24 per cent to £294.5 million (AUD$524.32m).

    Group revenue was up by 33 per cent to £3.16 billion (AUD$5.82bn) on the back of 187 store openings, including a net increase of 70 stores in the UK and Europe alone. The business has 1237 locations globally.

    Cowgill said he had been “very encouraged” by the result, which brings total profit growth since 2015 to more than 200 per cent.

    “The investments we have made over a number of years in developing our multichannel proposition and driving improved buying, merchandising and retail discipline have ultimately led to the creation of a world class sports fashion business which combines the best of physical and digital retail on an increasingly global scale,” he said.

    We are very encouraged by the progress that we are making internationally, and we continue to look for further opportunities to bring our dynamic multichannel proposition to new markets around the world with the support of our key brands”

    JD is currently finalising a yet-to-be-approved deal to purchase American footwear chain The Finish Line for $558 million, a move that will supercharge its expansion into the US.

    JD provided no specific outlook, but said it is satisfied with its progress and remains confident about the prospects for the current financial year.

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  • Nike buys custom fit start-up from Israel

    Nike buys custom fit start-up from Israel

    Nike has taken another step towards modernising its offer, announcing the acquisition of 3D scanning start-up Invertex in a move that will allow it to deliver measure-to-fit services online.

    The Israeli based computer vision firm was bought for an undisclosed sum and is Nike’s second acquisition in recent months following its purchase of consumer data business Zodiac in March.

    Invertex found David Bleicher has previously the technology as a “mass customisation” tool that enables customers to fit products to customers online through mobile applications that scan shoppers bodies.

    The business has also launched a smart mat product that uses maching learning to scan feet in-store and achieve what the business calls “unprecedented” levels of sizing reccomendations.

    Nike said the deal would deepen its digital capabilities at a time when it is rushing to capitalise on growing demand for online experiences.

    “The acquisition of Invertex will deepen our bench of digital talent and further our capabilities in computer vision and artificial intelligence as we create the most compelling Nike consumer experience at every touch point,” said Nike Chief Digital Officer, Adam Sussman.

    Nike said Bleicher and his team will focus on “ground breaking innovations” under the Nike umbrella.

    “Nike’s connection to and understanding of their consumer is unsurpassed and we look forward to joining their team to help drive the Consumer Direct Offense,” Bleicher said of the deal.

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  • JD Sports not looking at Aussie expansion

    JD Sports not looking at Aussie expansion

    Almost a year since the launch of its first Australian store British sports retailer JD Sports has unveiled the next stage of its local expansion plans, revealing three new store launches.

    The openings will bring the international entrant’s Australian store count to 9 with more to come as the business steps up its plans after being received positively by local shoppers.

    “The success of our first five Australian stores in 2017 has highlighted the consumer demand for JD exclusive product. We have been able to achieve great results by presenting the customer with the best product and by leveraging the retail theatre that JD is known for globally,” JD Australia chairman Hilton Seskin said in a media statement.

    JD launched a new 665sqm store in Macquarie yesterday and will open another 454sqm store in Penrith by the end of the month.

    It follows the opening of a 460sqm store in Doncaster in late March, with an additional store in Warringah, NSW slated tp open sometime in May.

    The new stores will be stocked with over 50 new product styles that will launch on opening day and more than 100 exclusive footwear and apparel products already available to JD customers.

    “The way we present product from a visual merchandising and digital perspective, along with our global partnerships with heavy hitters including Nike and adidas means that we also have access to the best releases to ensure we are the first port of call for customers wanting the latest and greatest product,” Seskin said.

    The business will roll out street dancers, an in-store DJ and a “win trainers for a year” promotion to celebrate the new store openings.

    The expansion stands to ratchet up the pressure on existing local players such as Super Retail Group owned Rebel, which recently incorporated its former sister brand Amart Sports in a bid to better position it to deal with competitive threats.

    JD appears to be focusing its attention in Victoria and NSW so far, but does have a store on the Gold Coast as well.