JD Sports is an English sports and outdoor wear retailer, founded in 1981, based in Lancashire. Despite competition from JJB and Sports Direct, the former’s fall into administration and the latter’s faltering reputation has meant JD Sports has prevailed with strong growth in an increasingly sought-after market. The highly profitable business runs two divisions – sports fashion and outdoor. It also trades online and is expanding internationally. Its outdoor business was bolstered by the acquisition of Go Outdoors in 2017. The retailer is developing its systems in-house as it looks to build itself into a “cutting-edge international multichannel retailer”. This includes the continued launch of new stores and localised websites across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Pentland Group, the owner of various sports brands including Speedo and Berghaus, has held a strategic stake in JD Sports since 2005.
Green shoots of optimism may be germinating, but it is certain that the last 12 months have left an irreversible imprint on the UK’s retail industry.
JD Sports chief executive Peter Cowgill has warned of potential job losses due to the restrictions placed on businesses by the Brexit deal.
JD Sports has completed a fundraise for £464m, which it will use to drive its expansion and capitalise on acquisition opportunities in new and existing markets.
JD Sports boss Peter Cowgill tells Retail Week why the retailer’s latest $495m acquisition has set it up to crack America.
JD Sports is to buy US athletic footwear and apparel retailer DTLR for $495m as it extends its US operations.
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