Manchester Arndale is proud to announce that Champion, the iconic athletic apparel brand, has signed a 10-year lease to open a new 1,980 sq ft concept store within the centre, further strengthening the destination’s reputation as the North West’s premier hub for fashion, lifestyle and leisure.
The arrival of Champion’s first concept store follows a string of recent high-profile lettings at Manchester Arndale, including Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga, XtraFit and ProDirect. These new additions highlight the strong demand Manchester Arndale is seeing from leading national and international brands who are keen to bring flagship stores to Manchester.
Champion introduces a raw, no-fuss retail experience rooted in its 100-year legacy – the brand that invented the hoodie and laid the foundation for sportstyle. Forged for athletes who demand more, the store design draws from no-nonsense gyms, rolling racks, safety cages, and raw steel echo the spaces where real athletes train. Gritty, stripped-back, and built to move.
Now launching in Manchester, Champion proudly brings this new expression to UK consumers as it expands across the region. More than just a retail space, the store will serve as a hub for community activations, creative workshops, and high-energy workout sessions – connecting with Manchester’s vibrant culture and tapping into the city’s dynamic creative scene. This is a space designed not only to showcase product, but to bring people together, inspire movement, and celebrate the spirit of challenge in all its forms.
More than just retail, Manchester Arndale also offers an array of F&B providers, such as Popeyes® and Hotel Chocolat, and in recent years has grown its leisure offering with arrivals King Pins, Urban Playground, and most recently XtraFit, helping to make the centre one of the North West’s most visited destinations.
Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, said: “We are delighted to be the first centre to host Champion’s new concept store. Their strong reputation and timeless appeal make them a fantastic addition for our shoppers. The decision by Champion to open here, alongside several other major brands in recent months, such as Alo Yoga and Arc’teryx, is a clear endorsement of Manchester Arndale as a thriving city centre destination where retailers want to be and customers want to shop.”
With Champion’s arrival, visitors to Manchester Arndale can look forward to discovering a wide range of stylish and functional sportswear designed for both performance and everyday wear.
