Footasylum, a leading footwear and sportswear omnichannel business, today announces the completion of upgrades to its Trafford Centre store in Greater Manchester. The re-opening marks the latest milestone in the company’s ambitious UK retail expansion, following other recent launches in Manchester Arndale, Trinity Leeds, and Merthyr Tydfil.
The Trafford Centre’s strong footfall, diverse retail environment and alignment with Footasylum’s customer profile makes it one of the company’s most valuable retail spaces. The new 17,178 sq ft store will generate 14 jobs locally, building on the commercial momentum already demonstrated at Manchester Arndale, and affirming Manchester and the North of England as a strategically important market for the business.
Home to over 200 shops and restaurants, the Trafford Centre is increasingly a destination for experiential retail and community activation, characteristics which fit well with Footasylum’s hyper-local and innovative omnichannel approach. The Trafford Centre’s “Escape Ordinary” philosophy complements Footasylum’s “Defy Ordinary” mindset, with both brands focused on offering products and experiences that embody a lifestyle, not just functionality.
The store will offer customers access to Footasylum’s extensive brand portfolio which includes renowned third-party brands like Nike, adidas Originals, ASICS, Saucony and Berghaus, alongside Footasylum-exclusive labels such as Monterrain and Forena. The Trafford Centre’s late night opening hours mean customers can enjoy shopping Footasylum’s fantastic product range for longer.
To celebrate the opening, the first 200 customers through the doors will receive exclusive goody bags featuring Crep Protect and New Era Caps. Within the bags, customers will also get the chance to win standout prizes including a PS5, festival tickets, a year’s supply of trainers and a full year’s gym membership. Over the opening weekend, surprise appearances from Footasylum influencers and a live set from a locally renowned DJ are set to make it a launch to remember.
The Trafford Centre re-opening is the latest development in a period of significant momentum for Footasylum. The business recently appointed Hannah Mercer as Chief Executive Officer and has expanded internationally across the DACH and Gulf regions. It has also secured increased funding from HSBC UK to support its ongoing store rollout, expanded its warehousing capacity, and announced a strategic partnership with Trapstar, the pioneering British streetwear brand.
On the opening, Shannon Osman, retail director at Footasylum, said: “The launch of our newly upgraded Trafford Centre store is another landmark moment for Footasylum in our UK expansion plan, as we continue to invest in high-impact, high-performing locations. As a company defined by setting trends and offering our customers the best experiences, we are thrilled to be offering customers another glimpse into what the future holds for Footasylum. This is an innovative retail destination that will allow us to deepen our connection with our already highly engaged Manchester audience, while also welcoming new customers who travel from far and wide to experience everything the Trafford Centre has to offer.”
