Sporting Pro is a new chain of sports stores opening in the UK this autumn. Initial openings commence on 6th September, and by December there will be 14 stores, creating 370 new jobs across the regions. The online offering www.sportingpro.co.uk will launch in mid September.
Stores will be up to 15,000 sq ft and will feature a strong women’s presence, with a range of footwear and apparel plus equipment for a variety of sports, including football, rugby, individual sports and racket sports.
Sporting Pro has become a member of INTERSPORT, a brand management and buying organisation that operates worldwide, with over 5,400 retailers in 42 countries. The INTERSPORT UK and Ireland group now has 90 members operating out of more than 260 outlets.
Footwear and apparel brands will include Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Reebok, Under Armour, Kappa, Canterbury and Onitsuka Tiger. Equipment suppliers include Head, Babolat, Wilson, Speedo, Raleigh, and outdoor brands Columbia and Berghaus.
Sporting Pro is committed to promoting an active lifestyle and sports participation for individuals.
The chain is headed up by former JJB Chief Executive Tom Knight who says, “More people participate in some form of sport than ever before; whether it’s to encourage a healthier lifestyle or playing at competition level. Sporting Pro will cater for all; all our staff will be fully trained and knowledgeable in their field to help and advise our customers on their sport requirements.”
The stores will have a strong focus on women’s fitness and running. They will also offer additional services including gait analysis and custom fit insoles, plus there will be nets in store for cricket, hockey and golf practice.
Sporting Pro has also confirmed an exclusive support programme with sports legacy charity Sporting Promise. As part of its commitment, Sporting Pro is introducing a reward card scheme and will contribute 1% of all reward card transactions to sports in the community via the development of schools and grassroots sports.
The first 14 Sporting Pro stores are expected to create 370 new jobs by the end of this year; this figure will increase with the ongoing expansion of the group and roll out of new stores in 2014.
Sporting Pro is the newest member of INTERSPORT and shares their ethos; INTERSPORT believes sport is for everyone. Their mission is to enable everyone to achieve personal bests by providing the right tools to nurture and develop their talent. Continuing the legacy from 2012, they exist to encourage everyone, irrespective of background, age or ability to create a sporting habit for life.
Sporting Pro, trading as INTERSPORT Sporting Pro, is a subsidiary of Matalan Retail Ltd.