JD SPORTS OPENS SECOND AUSSIE STORE AT PAC FAIR

ACTIVEWEAR giant JD Sports, which stocks highend brands such as Emporio Armani EA7 and Beyonce’s Ivy Park, will open its first store in Queensland today.

The streetwear chain was brought to Australia by Hilton Seskin, the founder of Rebel Sport and chairman of Next Athleisure.

Mr Seskin said the decision to open a second store in Australia, this one at Pacific Fair, Broadbeach, was driven by strong online sales and social media interest on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

“JD Sports is something not seen in Australia before ... we’re a global retailer and Pacific Fair is a centre with local and international appeal,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is ready for something different, and with the Commonwealth Games next year it’s a good opportunity to connect with the consumer.”

Mr Seskin said there was a gap in the market for “bespoke” athleisure products that were not readily available at other Australian stores.

“We want to dominate the sport lifestyle market.

“We think it’s a massive market because it’s not confined to sports. It’s fashion and sports. It’s lifestyle.

“Sport athleisure sneakers are the top-selling fashion items and are dominating the fashion category ... particularly the Adidas NMD and new Nike sneakers.”

Mr Seskin said five stores were slated to open this year, including Pacific Fair and Melbourne Central.