Manchester Arndale continues to attract big retail names. The latest is Authentic Brands-owned US athletic apparel brand Champion, which has signed a 10-year lease to open a 1,980 sq ft all-new concept store within the centre.
The concept highlights the brand’s “raw, no-fuss retail experience rooted in its 100-year legacy” built on “no-nonsense gyms, rolling racks, safety cages, and raw steel echo the spaces where real athletes train” used as a backdrop to display functional/fashion sportswear “designed for both performance and everyday wear”.
More than just a retail space, the store will also serve as a hub for community activations, creative workshops, and high-energy workout sessions “connecting with Manchester’s vibrant culture and tapping into the city’s dynamic creative scene”.
Champion’s arrival follows a string of recent high-profile lettings at Manchester Arndale, including Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga, XtraFit and ProDirect “highlighting the strong demand [the centre’s] seeing from leading national and international brands who are keen to bring flagship stores to Manchester”.
Steve Gray, head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, added: “[Champion’s]… strong reputation and timeless appeal make [it] a fantastic addition for our shoppers. The decision… to open here, alongside several other major brands in recent months… is a clear endorsement of Manchester Arndale as a thriving city centre destination where retailers want to be and customers want to shop.”
