Sportswear giant Nike will open the doors to a new 13,418 sq ft Nike Rise store in the centre of Manchester later this year.
The store will host Nike’s “Digital Rise” concept, spanning two floors in the Manchester Arndale centre’s former Topshop unit.
The concept offers a few unique features, such as a digital storytelling platform that creates one-of-a-kind content within the store, as well as screens displaying local sports, city and athlete data. Some call it a scaled-up version of Nike Live, which incorporates digital and personalisation elements.
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It follows the arrival of Sports Direct, Hollister and Tommy Jeans at Manchester Arndale.
The retailer also has Nike Rise stores in North America, South Korea and China. The concept is one of many Nike’s digitally-focused initiatives, such as its first Nike Style store in Seoul, which features a content studio and QR codes that unlock augmented reality experiences.
Global Mutual Head of European Retail Asset Management Steve Gray said: “It is testament to the popularity of Manchester Arndale that Nike has selected the centre for its first Rise store in Manchester. The city is home to two of the world’s most famous sports team and Nike’s arrival will be a great attraction for sports lovers across Manchester and the North West.
“The letting to Nike also means that the entire space vacated by Topshop has now been filled, following the lettings to Clarks and Gilly Hicks last year. This justifies the Manchester Arndale team’s decision to split the space and create three new high-quality units in a prime location.
“These three arrivals to this space also demonstrate the confidence popular retail brands have in Manchester Arndale and how it continues to attract shoppers from the NorthWest and beyond.”
