Derbion gives update on opening of huge JD store as plans delayed

The store was originally set to open at the end of this year

Derbion has issued a key update on the progress of a huge new JD store, set to be "triple the size" of the brand's site. Plans for the expansion within the shopping centre were first reported back in April, with it initially hoped the new store would open "towards the end of 2024".

A Derbion spokesperson has since confirmed that the new JD store will open at the beginning of 2025, with no hint at when this could be exactly.

The current Level 2 store stocks men's, women's and children's sporting apparel, athletic accessories, branded trainers and other footwear from some of the UK's largest brands, including Nike, Adidas, The North Face and Jordan. The store will be moving to a new, much larger unit also on Level 2.

Speaking previously, the shopping centre's managing director, Beth McDonald, said: “Over the past three years, our leasing strategy has transformed Derbion. We've secured a host of new retail and leisure brands, such as Frasers, H&M Home and Rituals. Last year alone, 13 new brands opened their doors at the centre.

"Our strategy has always been to broaden our range of retailers whilst at the same time supporting existing brands to deliver on their full potential through best-in-class stores. This long-term commitment by JD is a testament to the success that our retailers can achieve here at Derbion.”

Speaking ahead of the move back earlier this year, James Air, director and head of group acquisitions at JD, said: “We are delighted to have secured a fantastic new JD store in Derbion, which will have a footprint that is 50 per cent larger than our old store, whilst featuring our very latest store design.

"This significantly larger space will allow us to stock a much wider range and we are sure our customers will love the latest premium shopping environment.”

Until recently, JD Group also had a distribution warehouse within the city.

Around 200 jobs at Raynesway site were lost when the centre closed back In September, two months after the company confirmed it had entered a "a period of consultation" with colleagues working at the 514,000-square-foot business park.