Footasylum has upsized its presence in the shopping centre to an 18,000 sq ft space on Manchester Arrndale’s Exchange Court, which opened today (27 March), creating 14 new jobs.
The move builds on what the business described as consistently strong performance across its Manchester locations, including its store at the Trafford Centre.
The new store has been designed as an “immersive” retail destination, blending Footasylum’s digital community with a physical shopping experience.
It will offer a mix of third-party brands including Nike, Asics, Hoka, Saucony and Berghaus, alongside its own-labels such as Monterrain, Forena and Epic Kid.
To mark the launch, the retailer will host in-store activations including local DJs and brand partnerships with Adidas and Crep Protect, as well as collaborations with influencers.
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Howard Tattersall, chief marketing officer at Footasylum, said the opening reflects the brand’s heritage in the city.
“Manchester is at the very heart of Footasylum’s DNA, and our new flagship in the Arndale is a celebration of that heritage,” he said, adding that the larger space allows the retailer to “bring the full energy” of its brand offer to life.
The upsizing forms part of a wider strategy to invest in high-footfall locations across the UK, even as the retailer continues to scale internationally.
In late 2025, Footasylum signed a distribution agreement with MAD Agency covering Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and partnered with Apparel Group to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Nick Scott, chief financial officer, said the Arndale deal marked a “historic store opening” for the business, highlighting its long-term commitment to physical retail in key markets.
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Last week, Footasylum also appointed Gymshark executive Hannah Mercer as its new CEO, effective from May.
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Facts Only
Actor: Footasylum, Adidas, Crep Protect, MAD Agency, Apparel Group, Gymshark
Event: Expansion of Footasylum's Manchester Arndale store, in-store activations, international partnerships, CEO appointment
Location: Manchester Arndale, Exchange Court, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Gulf Cooperation Council region
Date: March 27 (opening date), late 2021 (partnerships, CEO appointment)
Executive Summary
Footasylum, a UK-based retailer specializing in athletic wear and streetwear, has expanded its presence in Manchester's Arndale shopping centre, moving to an 18,000 sq ft space on Exchange Court. The new store, which opened on March 27, aims to offer an immersive shopping experience, combining Footasylum's digital community with a physical retail space. The expansion is part of a wider strategy by the company to invest in high-footfall locations across the UK while continuing its international growth.
The new store offers a range of third-party brands such as Nike, Asics, Hoka, Saucony, and Berghaus, alongside Footasylum's own labels like Monterrain, Forena, and Epic Kid. To mark the launch, in-store activations will include local DJs, Adidas and Crep Protect partnerships, and collaborations with influencers.
In late 2021, Footasylum signed a distribution agreement with MAD Agency for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and partnered with Apparel Group to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Recently, the company appointed Gymshark executive Hannah Mercer as its new CEO, effective from May.
Full Take
Footasylum's expansion in Manchester is a strategic move aimed at increasing its physical retail presence in key markets while continuing international growth. The company has partnered with MAD Agency for distribution in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and Apparel Group to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. In an effort to attract customers, the new store offers a mix of third-party brands alongside Footasylum's own labels, along with in-store activations and collaborations with Adidas, Crep Protect, and influencers.
Recently, Gymshark executive Hannah Mercer was appointed as Footasylum's new CEO, effective from May. This leadership change comes at a critical time for the company, as it navigates the challenges of the retail industry and seeks to maintain its competitive edge.
ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey: The article highlights Footasylum's expansion in key markets while downplaying potential challenges or criticisms the company may face.
The retail industry is facing significant disruption due to changing consumer behaviors and preferences, online competition, and supply chain issues. Companies like Footasylum are adapting by investing in high-footfall locations, expanding internationally, and partnering with other brands to offer a wider range of products and experiences.
The expansion of Footasylum's retail presence may lead to job creation and increased economic activity in the areas where it operates. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers as they compete with online platforms and evolving consumer preferences.
How does Footasylum's expansion strategy compare to that of other retail companies?
What impact will Footasylum's international growth have on the retail industry in different regions?
What are the potential risks and opportunities for Footasylum as it navigates the changing retail landscape?