An international sports fashion retailer is set to open its first Sunshine Coast store, within the region’s main shopping centre.
JD Sports, which has more than 3300 outlets around the world, will be at Sunshine Plaza before Christmas.
It’s presence headlines 11 recent and upcoming openings, expansions and relocations at the centre.
The 636sqm JD Sports store will offer footwear, activewear, youth fashion and more.
Sunshine Plaza centre manager Brian Turner looked forward to the shop opening.
“JD Sports is a highly anticipated addition to Sunshine Plaza and a major new name for the Sunshine Coast retail market,” he said.
“We’re excited to be giving local customers access to another sought-after international retailer closer to home, while strengthening our existing fashion and activewear mix. We look forward to sharing further details as the store moves closer to opening.”
JD Sports Australia and Asia-Pacific GM of marketing Michael Weatherston said the opening would mark an important milestone in the retailer’s expansion.
“Sunshine Plaza will become JD Sports’ 13th store in Queensland and 80th store nationally, as well as our first location on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“It was always important to bring our brand to the Sunshine Coast and ensure we could give local consumers the ability to experience the world of JD Sports.
“The Sunshine Coast is an important and growing market, and Sunshine Plaza’s scale, location and strong mix of leading brands made it a natural choice for our next store.”
The arrival of sports fashion retailer headlines a broader period of retail activity at Sunshine Plaza, spanning new openings, expanded stores and retailer relocations.
Ariat opened at the centre on July 25, following the opening of Zeus Street Greek on June 24.
Activewear retailer lululemon also reopened in a new location and larger store footprint on June 25, expanding its presence at Sunshine Plaza.
A further six new retailers are preparing to open between August and October, including Australian fashion label Sabo, Oroton, Frankly My Dear, Afends, Mask & Co and The Mobile Phone Company.
Cotton On will also relocate to a larger store, following lululemon’s recent expansion.
Mr Turner said the mix of new brands and established retailers investing in larger stores demonstrated continued confidence in the plaza and the region’s growing customer base.
“The pipeline includes a strong combination of international and Australian brands across fashion, activewear, dining, beauty and services,” he said.
“It is also encouraging to see existing retailers such as lululemon and Cotton On committing to larger stores, alongside major new additions like JD Sports.
“With several retailers already trading and more preparing to open, customers will continue to see Sunshine Plaza’s lifestyle retail offering evolve during the important lead up to summer and the festive season.”
Further information about JD Sports and the centre’s upcoming store openings will be announced as individual trading dates are confirmed.
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