JD Sports has extended its ties with Nike as the first European retail partner for its Connected Partnership loyalty programme.

JD Sports store in shopping centre

JD Sports will be the first European retail partner for Nike’s Connected Partnership programme

The partnership offers JD customers, beginning with those in the UK, the opportunity to access exclusive member-only footwear and clothing when they link their JD and Nike accounts using apps.

Through linking the two membership accounts, JD customers will unlock reward bonuses and limited collections, and will also be able to participate in exclusive events.

The partnership will allow both businesses to share their digital expertise to enhance the customer experience.

JD Sports chief executive Régis Schultz said: “JD and Nike have a long and successful history of working together as strategic partners to bring customers an exceptional product offering and seamless omnichannel experience.

“This mutually beneficial partnership enhances our strong customer connections through best-in-class retail experiences and early access, both in store and online, to a select range of additional Nike products.

“This partnership – the first to launch in Europe – amplifies the combined strength of the Nike and JD brands with our shared consumers, by leaning into their behaviour and journeys and creating new, richer and more engaging experiences.

“It provides further opportunity to inspire the emerging generation of aspirational consumers, who can continue to feel confident that they are being offered the very best of Nike products when shopping at JD.”

Vice-president and general manager for EMEA at Nike Carl Grebert added: “Nike’s brand is amplified when we work with like-minded partners to serve those who love sport.

“Linking up with JD enables us to further extend the best selection of innovative sport performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel from Nike, with the power of digital and physical retail. 

“Connected Partnership allows us to know and serve Nike members across the marketplace, however, wherever and whenever they shop Nike. We aim to serve JD members with compelling connected member benefits and distinctive experiences.”

German marketplace Zalando has today announced it will also be joining Nike in a Connected Partnership, which it will roll out across 10 European countries, starting with Austria next month.

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