Marking a milestone in JD Sports’ international expansion, the sportswear retailer opened its first store in the Middle East. The occasion follows the franchise agreement with GMG, announced in July 2023, and a testament to the brand’s global reach and appeal.
The new store spans 5422 square feet and features footwear and apparel from brands, including Adidas, Nike and Puma.
As part of the retailer’s ten-year agreement with Dubai-based retailer GMG, the collaboration will open “around 50 stores under the JD faschia by 2028, with locations in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt.”
Chris Rowan, JD international franchise director, said: “We are very excited to see our first store in the region come to life and look forward to welcoming our new customers. This is a further milestone in our international expansion strategy, and we are delighted to be working with GMG, one of the Middle East’s most respected companies, as we continue to bring JD’s distinctive offering to more customers globally.”
Carl Masterman, GMG president of sports, said, “We at GMG are thrilled to celebrate the historic occasion of welcoming JD in the region. We have collectively witnessed the buzz and demand that JD, The King of Trainers, has generated, inspiring the emerging generation of globally-minded consumers through the universal culture of sport, music, and fashion.
“The brand’s arrival promises an exhilarating journey ahead, one where quality, innovation and passion for an exemplary shopping experience converge to redefine the athleisure and sports fashion space.”
Image courtesy JD Sports/GMG
